Handel worked with Charles Jennens, a preacher and librettist who wrote out the whole piece as a collage of Bible verses designed to tell a story about the Messiah. In some cases Jennens copied verses from the King James Version of the Bible directly, and in other cases he abridged or modified the wording of the Bible verses somewhat to fit into something that could be set to music and sung. He also decided to change the “point of view” in a couple of places. Rather than quoting Jesus’ words about himself directly, for instance, he made a few changes so that the singers are singing about Jesus rather than portraying the role of Jesus.
As Handel performed Messiah over the years, certain parts got changed. In many cases he changed solos around based on the abilities of the particular soloists he hired to sing on each concert.
There are a couple of cases where an entirely different piece with lyrics from an entirely different set of Bible verses were substituted from one concert to the next. The Watkins Shaw version musical score is widely used however there are other scores reworking musicians parts by Mozart and arrangements by others.
There is no one definitive version of Handel’s Messiah.
Performance by the Prague based Baroque orchestra 'Collegium 1704' conducted by Václav Luks:
Part the Third 1:39:46 I know that my redeemer liveth (Aria, Soprano). Larghetto 1:45:10 Since by man came death (Chorus). Grave; Allegro 1:47:13 Behold, I tell you (Accompagnato, Basso). 1:47:12 The trumpet shall sound (Aria, Basso). Pomposo, ma non allegro; 1:55:30 Then shall be brought to pass (Recitativo, Alto). 1:44:45 O death, where is thy sting (Duetto; Alto, Tenore). Andante 1:57:17 But thanks be to God (Chorus). Andante; Adagio 1:59:13 If God is for us (Aria, Soprano). Larghetto; Adagio 2:03:25 Worthy is the Lamb (Chorus). Largo; Andante 2:04:43 Blessing and honour (Chorus). Larghetto; Adagio 2:06:38 Amen (Chorus). Allegro moderato; Adagio
To understand the Baroque mood or 'humour' of each musical part it is important to understand the text and the story. The original King James Bible can be inaccessible to modern listeners and so a translation and comparison with the original textis made below:-
New English Translation - History
The New English Translation is a free online English translation of the Bible, sponsored by the Biblical Studies Foundation (aka Bible.org). In November 1995, twenty biblical scholars, working directly from the best currently available Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts, began work on a digital version of a modern English translation to be accessible over the Internet and on CD-ROM without cost for the user. The New English Translation claims to be non-sectarian and evangelical. The verses used as text for Messiah were assembled by Handel’s friend Charles Jennens, a wealthy supporter of the arts. They were drawn from three parts of the Bible: Old Testament prophesies of the Messiah’s birth; New Testament stories of the birth of Christ, his death, and his resurrection; and verses relating ultimately to Judgment Day, with the final chorus text drawn from the Book of Revelation.
ORIGINAL Charles Jennen's King James Bible text
1. Sinfonia (Overture)
2. Tenor Recitative. — Isaiah 40:1-3
Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
3. Tenor Air — Isaiah 40:4
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low, the crooked straight, and the rough places plain.
4. Chorus — Isaiah 40:5
And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
5. Bass Recitative — Haggai 2:6,7; Malachi 3:1
Thus saith the Lord of Hosts; Yet once, a little while and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come.................... ...... ....... ...... ....... ...... ....... ........ ,,,, , ....... ...... .... ....... ...... ....... ...... ... .......... The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: Behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts.
6. Bass Air — Malachi 3:2
But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner’s fire.
7. Chorus — Malachi 3:3
And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.
8. Alto Recitative — Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23
Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call his name Emmanuel, God with us.
9. Alto Air and Chorus — Isaiah 40:9; Isaiah 60:1
O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain; O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, and be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
10. Bass Recitative — Isaiah 60:2,3
For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
11. Bass Air — Isaiah 9:2
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.
12. Chorus — Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
13. Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
14. Soprano Recitative — Luke 2:8,9
There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And lo! the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
15. Soprano Recitative — Luke 2:10,11
And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
16. Soprano Recitative — Luke 2:13
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying:
17. Chorus — Luke 2:14
" Glory to God in the highest, ... ... and peace on earth, good will toward men."
18. Soprano Air — Zechariah 9:9,10
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee. He is the righteous Savior. And he shall speak peace unto the heathen.
19. Alto Recitative — Isaiah 35:5,6
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing.
20. Alto Air — Isaiah 40:11; Matthew 11:28, 29
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; and he shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.Come unto Him, all ye that labour, that are heavy laden, and He shall give you rest. Take his yoke upon you, and learn of Him; for he is meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
21. Chorus — Matthew 11:30
His yoke is easy, and His burthen is light.
MODERN Equivalent text from New English Translation Bible
1. Sinfonia (Overture)
2. Tenor Recitative. — Isaiah 40:1-3
"Comfort, comfort my people", says your God. "Speak kindly to Jerusalem, and tell her that her time of warfare is over, her punishment completed. For the Lord has made her pay double for all her sins." A voice cries out: "In the Wilderness clear a way for the Lord: construct in the desert a road for our God."
3. Tenor Air — Isaiah 40:4
Every valley must be elevated, and every mountain and hill levelled, the rough terrain will become a level plain, and the rugged land a wide valley
4. Chorus — Isaiah 40:5
The splendour of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it at the same time. For the Lord has decreed it.
5. Bass Recitative — Haggai 2:6,7; Malachi 3:1
Moreover, the Lord who rules over all, says: "In just a little while I will once again shake the sky and the earth, the sea and the dry ground. I will also shake up all the nations, and they will offer their treasures: then I will fill this temple with glory. I am about to send my messenger, who will clear the way before me. Indeed the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his temple, and the messenger of the covenant, whom you long for, is certainly coming" says the Lord who rules over all.
6. Bass Air — Malachi 3:2
Who can endure the day of his coming? Who can keep standing when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire, like a launderer's soap.
7. Chorus — Malachi 3:3
He will act like a refiner and will cleanse the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will offer the Lord a proper offering
8. Alto Recitative — Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23
The Lord will give you a sign. A virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will name him Emmanuel, which means 'God with us'.
9. Alto Air and Chorus — Isaiah 40:9; Isaiah 60:1
Go up on a high mountain, O herald Zion! Shout out loudly, O herald Jerusalem ! Shout , dont be afraid! Say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God! . ......... . . . . ......... ........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Arise, shine!; for your light arrives! The splendour of the Lord shines on you!"
10. Bass Recitative — Isaiah 60:2,3
For look, darkness cover the earth and deep darkness covers the nations; but the Lord shines upon you, and his splendour appears over you. ......... . . . ... . . . ... . . . ... . . . ... . . . ... . . . ... . . . ... . . . ... . . ... .. ... . . Nations come to your light, and kings come to the brightest of lights.
11. Bass Air — Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness see a bright light: Light shines on those who live in a land of deep darkness.
12. Chorus — Isaiah 9:6
For a Child is born to us, a Son has been given to us. He shoulders responsibility and is called: Extraordinary Strategist, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
13. Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
14. Soprano Recitative — Luke 2:8,9
Now there were shepherds nearby living in the field, keeping guard over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them: and they were absolutely terrified.
15. Soprano Recitative — Luke 2:10,11
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all people:Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord.
16. Soprano Recitative — Luke 2:13
Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying:
17. Chorus — Luke 2:14
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased!
18. Soprano Air — Zechariah 9:9,10
Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion; Shout, daughter of Jerusalem: Look! Your King is coming to you. He is legitimate and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey! And he will announce peace to the nations.
19. Alto Recitative — Isaiah 35:5,6
Then blind eyes will open, deaf ears will hear. Then the lame will leap like a dear, the mute tongue will shout for joy, for water will flow in the desert, streams in the wilderness.
20. Alto Air — Isaiah 40:11; Matthew 11:28, 29
Like a shepherd he tends to his flock; he gathers the lambs with his arm, and carries them close to his heart, he leads the ewes along. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you, and learn form me, because I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls."
21. Chorus — Matthew 11:30
My yoke is easy to bear, and my load in not hard to carry.
22. Chorus — John 1:29
Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world.
23. Alto Air — Isaiah 53:3; Isaiah 50:6
He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.
He gave His back to the smiters, and His cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: He hid not His face from shame and spitting.
24. Chorus — Isaiah 53:4,5
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him.
25. Chorus — Isaiah 53:5
And with His stripes we are healed.
26. Chorus — Isaiah 53:6
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
27. Tenor Recitative — Psalm 22:7
All they that see Him laugh him to scorn: they shoot out their lips, and shake their heads, saying:
28. Chorus — Psalm 22:8
He trusted in God that He would deliver Him: let Him deliver Him, if he delight in Him.
29. Soprano Recitative — Psalm 69:20
Thy rebuke hath broken His heart; He is full of heaviness. He looked for some to have pity on Him but there was no man; neither found He any to comfort Him.
30. Soprano Air — Lamentations 1:12
Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto His sorrow!
31. Tenor Recitative — Isaiah 53:8
He was cut off out of the land of the living; for the transgression of Thy people was He stricken.
32. Tenor Air — Psalm 16:10
But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell; nor didst Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption.
33. Chorus — Psalm 24:7-10
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts, the King of Glory.
34. Tenor Recitative — Hebrews 1:5
For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten hee?
35. Chorus — Hebrews 1:6
Let all the angels of God worship Him.
36. Bass Air — Psalm 68:18
Thou art gone up on high, Thou hast led captivity captive, and received gifts for men; yea, even for Thine enemies, that the Lord God might dwell among them.
37. Chorus — Psalm 68:11
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of the preachers.
38. Duetto for 2 Alto Solos and Chorus — Romans 10:15
How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
39. Chorus — Romans 10:18
Their sound is gone out into all lands, and their words unto the ends of the world. Not sung in the original performance.]
40. Bass Air — Psalm 2:1,2
Why do the nations so furiously rage together: why do the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsels together against the Lord and His anointed.
41. Chorus — Psalm 2:3
Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their yokes from us.
42. Tenor Recitative — Psalm 2:4
He that dwelleth in the heavens shall laugh them to scorn; the Lord shall have them in derision.
43. Tenor Air — Psalm 2:9
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
44. Chorus — Revelation 19:6, 11:15, 19:16
Hallelujah! for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
The Kingdom of this world is become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ: and He shall reign for ever and ever.
King of kings, Lord of lords.
22. Chorus — John 1:29
“Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
23. Alto Air — Isaiah 53:3; Isaiah 50:6
He was despised and rejected by people, ones who experienced pain and were acquainted with illness, people hid their faces from him. He offered his back to those who attacked and his jaws to those who tore at his beard. He did not hide his face from insults and spitting.
24. Chorus — Isaiah 53:4,5
But he lifted up our illnesses, and he carried our pain: even though we thought he was being punished, attacked by God, and afflicted for something he had done.
25. Chorus — Isaiah 53:5
Because of his wounds we have been healed.
26. Chorus — Isaiah 53:6
All of us had wandered off like sheep, each of us had strayed off on his own path, but the Lord caused the sin of all of us to attack him.
27. Tenor Recitative — Psalm 22:7
All of those who see Him taunt him and they mock him and shake their heads saying:
28. Chorus — Psalm 22:8
They say "commit yourself to the Lord! Let the Lord rescue and deliver him for he delights in Him.
29. Soprano Recitative — Psalm 69:20
Their insults were painful and made him lose heart, he looked for sympathy but received none, He looked for comforters , but found none.
30. Soprano Air — Lamentations 1:12
Look, and see if there is any pain like his pain.
31. Tenor Recitative — Isaiah 53:8
He was cut off out of the land of the living; because of the rebellion of his own people he was wounded.
32. Tenor Air — Psalm 16:10
You did abandon him to hell, you did not allow your faithful follower to see the fiery pit.
33. Chorus — Psalm 24:7-10
Look up, you gates! Rise up, you eternal doors! And then the majestic king will enter! Who is this majestic king? The Lord who is strong and mighty, the Lord who is mighty in battle. Look up, you gates; Rise up, you eternal doors! Then the majestic king will enter! The Lord who commands armies! He is the majestic king
34. Tenor Recitative — Hebrews 1:5
For to which of the angels did God ever say,"you are my son! Today I have fathered you”?
35. Chorus — Hebrews 1:6
Let all the angels of God worship Him.
36. Bass Air — Psalm 68:18
You ascend on high, you have taken many captives. You receive tribute from men, including even sinful rebels, Indeed the Lord God lives there.
37. Chorus — Psalm 68:11
The Lord speaks ; many, many women spread the good news.
38. Duetto for 2 Alto Solos and Chorus — Romans 10:15
As it is written that, “How timely is the arrival of those who proclaim the good news.”
39. Chorus — Romans 10:18
Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.
40. Bass Air — Psalm 2:1,2
Why do nations rebel? Why are the countries devising plots that will fail?The kings of the earth form a united front, the rulers collaborate against the Lord and his anointed king.
41. Chorus — Psalm 2:3
Let’s tear off the shackles and free ourselves from their ropes!”
42. Tenor Recitative — Psalm 2:4
The one enthroned in heaven laughs in disgust;
the Lord taunts them.
43. Tenor Air — Psalm 2:9
You will break them with an iron scepter; And you will smash them in pieceslike a potter’s jar!’
44. Chorus — Revelation 19:6, 11:15, 19:16
Hallelujah! for the Lord our God, All-Powerful, reigns!
The Kingdom of this world has become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ: and He will reign for ever and ever.
King of kings, Lord of lords.
45. Soprano Air — Job 19:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 15:20
I know that my redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. For now is Christ risen from the dead, the first fruits of them that sleep.
46. Chorus — 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22
Since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
47. Bass Recitative — 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep; but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.
48. Bass Air — 1 Corinthians 15:52, 53
The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
49. Alto Air — 1 Corinthians 15:54b
Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
50. Duetto for Alto and Tenor — 1 Corinthians 15:55, 56
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
51. Chorus — 1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
52. Alto Air — Romans 8:31, 33, 34
If God be for us, who can be against us? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us.
53. Chorus — Revelation 5:12, 13
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by His blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Blessing and honour, glory and power to be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. Amen.
45. Soprano Air — Job 19:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 15:20
I know my redeemer lives, and that as the last , he'll stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, in my flesh will I see God. But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep
46. Chorus — 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22
Since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also came through a man. Just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.
47. Bass Recitative — 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will all sleep; but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.
48. Bass Air — 1 Corinthians 15:52, 53
The trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.
49. Alto Air — 1 Corinthians 15:54b
And then the saying that is written will happen, “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
50. Duetto for Alto and Tenor — 1 Corinthians 15:55, 56
O death, where is your victory? O death where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
51. Chorus — 1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
52. Alto Air — Romans 8:31, 33, 34
If God is for us, who can be against us? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is the one who will condemn? It is Christ that died, and are than that he was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also is interceding for us.
53. Chorus — Revelation 5:12, 13
Worthy is the Lamb who was killed, to receive power and wealth,, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and praise. To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise, honour , glory and ruling power for ever and ever. Amen.