Handel's Messiah

Comfort for God's People

By: Calvin R. Stapert

Narrated by: James Adams

Handel’s oratorio Messiah is a phenomenon with no parallel in music history. No other work of music has been so popular for so long. Yet familiarity can sometimes breed contempt — and also misunderstanding.

This book by music expert Calvin Stapert will greatly increase understanding and appreciation of Handel’s majestic Messiah, whether readers are old friends of this remarkable work or have only just discovered its magnificence.

Stapert provides fascinating historical background, tracing not only Messiah’s unlikely inception but also its amazing reception throughout history. The bulk of the book offers scene-by-scene musical and theological commentary on the whole work, focusing on the way Handel’s music beautifully interprets and illuminates the biblical text.

For anyone seeking to appreciate Handel’s Messiah more, this informed yet accessible guide is the book to have and read.

©2010 Calvin R. Stapert (P)2010 christianaudio

Very informative for a Messiah lover

I enjoyed learning the historical context - what was going on in the world musically, ideologically and politically - when Handel wrote the Messiah. I also enjoyed learning about the librettist, Jennens. The second part of the book details the music. It will make me so much more aware of the musical details in this true masterpiece from here on!

Very interesting

It’s interesting to know the musicology and the theology of Handel’s Messiah. It’s especially nice to hear the music insert within this audio book.