We would like, even during this extraordinary situation, for the Müpa Budapest audience to still be able to encounter the world's most outstanding and thrilling artists each evening - this time in their own homes. It is precisely for this reason that we will open Müpa Budapest's virtual concert hall and auditoriums - each night at the familiar times - by providing access to a single unforgettable performance from past years.
The performance will be broadcasted on our website and YouTube channel.
Messiah (HWV 56) remains the most popular work of George Frideric Handel and one of the world's most frequently played oratorios. It first premièred on 13 April 1742 in Dublin, and continued its triumphal run with concerts in London the following year. Tonight's performance brings the full-length version... from Dublin and early London performances (from around 1742/43) of this masterpiece to the stage. Handel might be the only composer in the history of music to exclusively use quotes taken verbatim from the Bible; it appears that he thought it essential to have all the text performed when he was conducting (the libretto was compiled by his friend and colleague Charles Jennens).
Although audiences have grown accustomed to monumental Messiah performances, we wish to emphasise the fact that the oratorio was originally written for a modest orchestra: Handel had no access to woodwind instruments in Dublin. Therefore, when assembling the musicians for this performance, we tried as much as possible to replicate the circumstances of the 1742 Dublin première - hoping that our audience will discover heretofore hidden beauties in this oft-played and deservedly admired classic. (György Vashegyi)
This recording was made at the concert held at Müpa Budapest on 15 May 2018.
Presented by: Müpa Budapest
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