Exhibit: 2017 Anniversary Year of George Frideric Handel’s “Water Music” (1717) and “Messiah” (1742)
Hunt Library, Fourth Floor
This exhibit tells the story of the early performances of “Water Music,” as well as Handel’s “Messiah,” which, this year, are celebrating their 300 and 275th anniversaries, respectively.
George Frideric Handel’s “Water Music” is a collection of orchestral movements, often published as three suites. It premiered on July 17, 1717 for King George I’s request for a concert on the River Thames. “Messiah” is an English-language oratorio composed in 1741 by Handel. It was first performed in Dublin in April 13, 1742 and first played in London nearly a year later. The oratorio gained in popularity, becoming one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music.