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==General Information==
==General information==


The Messiah (HWV 56, 1741) is an oratorio by [[George Frederic Handel|Handel]]. It is his most famous work. It was first perfomed in 1742 in Dublin. Organised in three acts.
The Messiah (HWV 56, 1741) is an oratorio by [[George Frideric Handel|Handel]]. It is organised in three acts.
First act narrates the prophecy of Messiah's coming,
Second act narrates the sacrifice, the agony on the cross
Third act narrates the resurrection,


==Musical Setting==
==Musical setting==


*[[Messiah, HWV 56 (George Frederic Handel)|''Messiah, HWV 56'']] ''page for links to Messiah sheet music
*[[Messiah, HWV 56 (George Frideric Handel)|''Messiah, HWV 56'']] ''page for links to Messiah sheet music
{{TextAutoList}}
==Text==
{{Text|English|
}}
===Part I===
====Comfort ye====


''Tenor:''
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.   ''(Isaiah 40:1-3)''


==Original Text==
====Every valley shall be exalted====
''Tenor:''
Ev'ry valley shall be exalted, and ev'ry mountain and hill made low; the crooked straight and the rough places plain.   ''(Isaiah 40:4)''


{{Text|English}}
====And the glory of the Lord====
''Chorus:''
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.   ''(Isaiah 40:5)''


====Thus saith the Lord====
''Bass:''
Thus saith the Lord, 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.   ''(Haggai 2:6-7)''


===Comfort Ye===
The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the Covenant, whom you delight in; behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.   (Malachi 3:1)


Comfort ye!<br>
====But who may abide====
comfort ye my people!<br>
''Bass, Alto, or Soprano:''
saith your God. <br>
But who may abide the day of His coming, and who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner's fire. &nbsp; ''(Malachi&nbsp;3:2)''
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, <br>
and cry unto her
that her warfare is
accomplish'd,<br> that her
iniquity is pardon'd.<br>
The voice of him that
crieth in the wilderness, <br>
Prepare ye the way of the
Lord, <br>make straight in the
desert a highway for our God.<br>


===Every Valley shall be exalted===
====And He shall purify====
''Chorus:''
And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. &nbsp; ''(Malachi&nbsp;3:3)''


Ev'ry valley shall be exalted,<br>
====Behold, a virgin shall conceive====
and every mountain and hill made low,<br>
''Alto:''
the crooked straight, <br>
Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Emmanuel, God with us. &nbsp; ''(Isaiah&nbsp;7:14&nbsp;=&nbsp;Matthew&nbsp;1:23)''
and the rough places plain.<br>


===And the Glory of the Lord===
====O thou that tellest====
''Alto:''
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, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, behold your God! &nbsp; ''(Isaiah&nbsp;40:9)''


And the glory of the Lord  
Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. &nbsp; ''(Isaiah&nbsp;60:1)''
shall be revealed.<br>
And all flesh shall see it together:<br>
for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.<br>


===Thus saith the Lord===
''Chorus:''
O thou that tellest. . . ''da capo''


Thus saith the Lord of Hosts;<br>
====For behold, darkness shall cover====
Yet once a little while <br>
''Bass:''
and I will shake the heav'ns and the earth, <br>
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.
the sea and the dry land.<br>
And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. &nbsp; ''(Isaiah&nbsp;60:2-3)''
And I will shake all nations,<br>
and the desire of all nations shall come.<br>
The Lord whom ye seek, <br>
shall suddenly come to His temple,<br>
ev'n the messenger of the covenant, <br>
whom ye delight in,<br>
Behold, He shall come, <br>
saith the Lord of Hosts.<br>


===But who may abide===
====The people that walked in darkness====
''Bass:''
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. &nbsp; ''(Isaiah&nbsp;9:2)''


But who may abide
====For unto us a child is born====
the day of His coming? <br>
''Chorus:''
and who shall stand
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. &nbsp; ''(Isaiah&nbsp;9:6)''
when He appeareth? <br>
For He is like a refiner's fire.<br>


===And He shall purify===
====There were shepherds====
''Soprano:''
There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. &nbsp; ''(Luke&nbsp;2:8)''


And He shall purify
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. &nbsp; ''(Luke&nbsp;2:9)''
the sons of Levi,<br>
that they may offer unto the Lord  
an offering in righteousness.<br>


===Behold A Virgin Shall Conceive===
====And the angel said unto them====
''Soprano:''
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." &nbsp; ''(Luke&nbsp;2:10-11)''


Behold,  
====And suddenly there was with the angel====
a virgin shall conceive, <br>
''Soprano:''
and bear a son, <br>
And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying: &nbsp; ''(Luke&nbsp;2:13)''
and shall call his name Emmanuel, <br>
God with us.<br>


===O thou that tellest===  
====Glory to God====
''Chorus:''
"Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will towards men." &nbsp; ''(Luke&nbsp;2:14)''


O! thou that tellest
====Rejoice greatly====
good tidings to Zion, <br>
''Soprano:''
get thee up
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!
into the high mountain; <br>
Behold, thy King cometh unto thee; He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen. &nbsp; ''(Zechariah&nbsp;9:9-10)''
O! thou that tellest
good tidings to Jerusalem, <br>
lift up thy voice with strength; <br>
lift it up, be not afraid; <br>
say unto the cities of Judah,<br>
Behold your God!
Arise, shine, <br>
for thy light is come, <br>
and the glory of the Lord
is risen upon thee.<br>


===For behold, darkness shall cover the earth===
Rejoice greatly… ''da capo''


For, behold! <br>
====Then shall the eyes of the blind====
darkness shall cover
''Alto:''
the earth, <br>
Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
and gross darkness
Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing. &nbsp; ''(Isaiah&nbsp;35:5-6)''
the people; <br>
but the Lord shall
arise upon thee, <br>
and His glory shall
be seen upon thee.<br>
And the Gentiles shall
come to thy light, <br>
and kings to the brightness
of thy rising.<br>


===The people that walked in darkness===
====He shall feed His flock====
''Soprano (& Alto):''
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. &nbsp; ''(Isaiah&nbsp;40:11)''


The people that walked
Come unto Him, all ye that labour, come unto Him that are heavy laden, and He will give you rest.
in darkness have seen
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. &nbsp; ''(Matthew&nbsp;11:28-29)''
a great light, <br>
and they that dwell
in the land of the shadow
of death, <br>
upon them hath the light
shined.<br>


===For unto Us a Child is born===
====His yoke is easy====
''Chorus:''
His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. &nbsp; ''(Matthew&nbsp;11:30)''


For unto us a Child is born,<br>
===Part II===
unto us a son is given,<br>
====Behold the Lamb of God====
and the government shall
''Chorus:''
be upon His shoulder: <br>
Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. &nbsp; ''(John&nbsp;1:29)''
and His name shall be called
Wonderful, Counsellor, <br>
the mighty God,  
the everlasting Father,
the Prince of Peace.<br>


===There were shepherds===
====He was despised====
''Alto:''
He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. &nbsp; ''(Isaiah&nbsp;53:3)''


There were shepherds abiding
He gave His back to the smiters, and His cheeks to them that plucked off His hair: He hid not His face from shame and spitting. &nbsp; ''(Isaiah&nbsp;50:6)''
in the field, <br>
keeping watch over their
flock by night. <br>


And lo! the angel of the Lord
He was despised… ''da capo''
came upon them, <br>
and the glory of the Lord
shone round about them,<br>
and they were sore afraid.<br>


===And the Angel said unto them===
====Surely He hath borne our griefs====
''Chorus:''
And the angel said unto them, <br>
Surely, He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows!
Fear not, for behold, <br>
He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him. &nbsp; ''(Isaiah&nbsp;53:4-5)''
I bring you good tidings of
great joy, <br>
which shall be to all people. <br>
For unto you is born this day
in the city of David, a Saviour,<br>
which is Christ, the Lord.<br>


===And suddenly there was with the Angel===
====And with his stripes====
''Chorus:''
And suddenly there was
And with his stripes we are healed. &nbsp; ''(Isaiah&nbsp;53:5)''
with the angel a multitude <br>
of the heavenly host praising
God, and saying:<br>


===Glory to God===
====All we, like sheep, have gone astray====
''Chorus:''
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. &nbsp; ''(Isaiah&nbsp;53:6)''


Glory to God in the highest, <br>
====All they that see him laugh him====
and peace on earth, <br>
''Tenor:''
good will towards men.<br>
All they that see Him laugh Him to scorn; they shoot out their lips, and shake their heads, saying: &nbsp; ''(Psalm&nbsp;22:7)''


===Rejoice greatly===
====He trusted in God====
''Chorus:''
"He trusted in God that He would deliver Him; let Him deliver Him, if He delight in Him." &nbsp; ''(Psalm&nbsp;22:8)''


Rejoice greatly, <br>
====Thy rebuke hath broken His heart====
O daughter of Sion,<br>
''Tenor:''
Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem,<br>
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. &nbsp; ''(Psalm&nbsp;69:20)''
behold,  
thy King cometh unto thee. <br>
He is the righteous Saviour.<br>
And he shall speak peace
unto the heathen.<br>


===Then shall the eyes of the blind===
====Behold, and see====
''Tenor:''
Then shall the eyes of the blind
Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto His sorrow. &nbsp; ''(Lamentations&nbsp;1:12)''
be open'd, <br>
and the ears of the deaf
unstopped.<br>
Then shall the lame man
leap as a hart, <br>
and the tongue of the dumb
shall sing.<br>


===He shall feed===
====He was cut off====
''Soprano or Tenor:''
He shall feed his flock
He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgressions of Thy people was He stricken. &nbsp; ''(Isaiah&nbsp;53:8)''
like a shepherd; <br>
and he shall gather the lambs
with His arm, <br>
and carry them in His bossom, <br>
and gently lead those
that are with young. <br>


Come unto Him,
====But Thou didst not leave====
all ye that labour<br>
''Soprano or Tenor:''
come unto him that are heavy laden, <br>
But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell; nor didst Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption. &nbsp; ''(Psalm&nbsp;16:10)''
and He will give you rest. <br>
Take his yoke upon you, <br>
and learn of him; <br>
for he is meek and lowly of heart, <br>
and ye shall find rest unto
your souls.<br>


===His yoke is easy===
====Lift up your heads====
''Chorus:''
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, He is the King of Glory. &nbsp; ''(Psalm&nbsp;24:7-10)''


His yoke is easy,  
====Unto which of the angels====
his burden is light. <br>
''Tenor:''
Unto which of the angels said He at any time: "Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee?" &nbsp; ''(Hebrews&nbsp;1:5)''


===Behold the lamb of God===
====Let all the angels====
''Chorus:''
Let all the angels of God worship Him. &nbsp; ''(Hebrews&nbsp;1:6)''


Behold the Lamb of God,<br>
====Thou art gone up on high====
that taketh away the sin
''Bass, Alto or Soprano:''
of the world.<br>
Thou art gone up on high; Thou hast led captivity captive, and received gifts for men; yea, even from Thine enemies, that the Lord God might dwell among them. &nbsp; ''(Psalm&nbsp;68:18)''


===He was despised===
====The Lord gave the word====
''Chorus:''
He was despised and rejected
The Lord gave the word; great was the company of the preachers. &nbsp; ''(Psalm&nbsp;68:11)''
of men, a man of sorrows, <br>
and acquainted with grief.<br>
He gave his back to the
smiters, <br>
and His cheeks to
them that plucked off the hair,<br>
He hid not His face from
shame and spitting.<br>


===Surely He hath borne our griefs===
====How beautiful are the feet====
''Soprano or Alto (or Soprano, Alto and Chorus):''
How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things. &nbsp; ''(Isaiah&nbsp;52:7 =&nbsp;Romans&nbsp;10:15)''


Surely he hath borne our griefs,<br>
====Their sound is gone out====
and carried our sorrows!<br>
''Chorus (or Air for Tenor):''
He was wounded for our
Their sound is gone out into all lands, and their words unto the ends of the world. &nbsp; ''(Romans&nbsp;10:18 =&nbsp;Psalm&nbsp;19:4)''
transgressions, <br>
he was bruised for our
iniquities; <br>the chastisement
of our peace was upon him.<br>
And with his stripes we are
healed.<br>


===All we like sheep have gone astray===
====Why do the nations====
''Bass:''
All we, like sheep,<br>
Why do the nations so furiously rage together, and why do the people imagine a vain thing?
have gone astray; <br>
The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against His anointed. &nbsp; ''(Psalm&nbsp;2:1-2)''
we have turned every one to his own way; <br>
And the Lord hath laid on him
the iniquity of us all.<br>


===All they that see him laugh him to scorn===
====Let us break their bonds====
''Chorus:''
Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their yokes from us. &nbsp; ''(Psalm&nbsp;2:3)''


All they that see him,<br>
====He that dwelleth in heaven====
laugh him to scorn: <br>
''Tenor:''
they shoot out their lips,<br>
He that dwelleth in Heav'n shall laugh them to scorn; The Lord shall have them in derision. &nbsp; ''(Psalm&nbsp;2:4)''
they shake their heads,<br>
saying.


===He trusted in God===
====Thou shalt break them====
''Tenor:''
He trusted in God
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. &nbsp; ''(Psalm&nbsp;2:9)''
that he would deliver him:<br>
let him deliver him, <br>
if he delight in him.<br>


===Thy rebuke hath broken His heart===
====Hallelujah====
''Chorus:''
Hallelujah: for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth. &nbsp; ''(Revelation&nbsp;19:6)''


Thy rebuke hath broken his heart; <br>
The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord,
He is full of heaviness. <br>
and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. &nbsp; ''(Revelation&nbsp;11:15)''
He looked for some to have
pity on Him, <br>
but there was no man; <br>
neither found He any to comfort Him.<br>


===Behold, and see===
King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. &nbsp; ''(Revelation&nbsp;19:16)''
Behold, <br>
and see if there be any
sorrow like unto his
sorrow!<br>


===He was cut off out of the land of the living===
Hallelujah!
he was cut off out of the
the living: <br>
for the transgression of
Thy people was He stricken.<br>


===But Thou didst not leave===
===Part III===
====I know that my redeemer liveth====
''Soprano:''
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. &nbsp; ''(Job&nbsp;19:25-26)''


But thou didst not leave
For now is Christ risen from the dead, the first fruits of them that sleep. &nbsp; ''(I&nbsp;Corinthians&nbsp;15:20)''
his soul in hell; <br>
nor didst thou suffer
Thy Holy One to see corruption.<br>


===Lift up your heads===
====Since by man====
''Chorus:''
Lift up your heads, <br>
Since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
O ye gates; <br>
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. &nbsp; ''(I&nbsp;Corinthians&nbsp;15:21-22)''
and be ye lift up, <br>
ye everlasting doors; <br>
and the King of Glory shall
come in!<br>
Who is the King of Glory? <br>
The Lord strong and mighty, <br>
the Lord mighty in battle.<br>
Lift up your heads, O ye gates;<br>
and be ye lift up, <br>
ye everlasting doors; <br>
and the King of Glory shall
come in. <br>
Who is the King
of Glory? The Lord of Hosts, <br>
He is the King of Glory.<br>


===Unto which of the angels===
====Behold I tell you====
''Bass:''
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. &nbsp; ''(I&nbsp;Corinthians&nbsp;15:51-52)''


For unto which of the angels
====The trumpet shall sound====
said He at any time, <br>
''Bass:''
Thou art my Son, <br>
The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
this day have I begotten thee?<br>
For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality. &nbsp; ''(I&nbsp;Corinthians&nbsp;15:52-53)''


===Let all the angels===
The trumpet… ''da capo''


Let all the angels of God
====Then shall be brought to pass====
worship Him<br>
''Alto:''
Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." &nbsp; ''(I&nbsp;Corinthians&nbsp;15:54)''


===Thou art gone up on high===
====O death, where is thy sting?====
''Alto & Tenor:''
Thou art gone up on high, <br>
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
Thou hast led captivity captive,<br>
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. &nbsp; ''(I&nbsp;Corinthians&nbsp;15:55-56)''
and received gifts for men;<br>
yea, even for Thine enemies,<br>
that the Lord God might dwell
among them.<br>


===The Lord gave the word===
====But thanks be to God====
''Chorus:''
But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. &nbsp; ''(I&nbsp;Corinthians&nbsp;15:57)''


The Lord gave the word: <br>
====If God be for us====
great was the company of
''Soprano:''
the preachers.<br>
If God be for us, who can be against us? &nbsp; ''(Romans&nbsp;8:31)''


===How beautiful are the feet===
Who shall lay anything 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. &nbsp; ''(Romans&nbsp;8:33-34)''
How beautiful are the feet
of them that preach the gospel
of peace,<br> and bring glad
tidings of good things!<br>


===Their sound is gone out===
====Worthy is the Lamb====
''Chorus:''
their sound is gone out
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by His blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom,
into all lands, <br>and their
and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
words unto the ends of the
Blessing and honour, glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever.
world.<br>
Amen. &nbsp; ''(Revelation&nbsp;5:12-14)''
 
{{Text|German|
===Why do the nations rage?===
Würdig ist das Lamm, das da starb
 
und hat versöhnet uns mit Gott durch sein Blut,
Why do the nations so furiously rage together?<br>
zu nehmen Stärke, und Reichtum, und Weisheit,
why do the people
und Macht, und Ehre, und Hoheit, und Segen,
imagine a vain thing?<br>
alle Gewalt, Lob, Ehr und Preis gebühret ihm,
The kings of the earth rise up,<br>
der auf dem Stuhle thront, gebührt auch dem Lamm
and the rulers take counsel
von nun an auf ewig, Ehre sei auch dem Lamm auf ewig,
together, against the Lord, <br>
Segen, Hoheit, Ehre und Allmacht gebühret ihm,
and against His anointed.<br>
der auf dem Stuhle thront, gebührt auch dem Lamm
 
von nun an auf ewig. Amen.}}
===Let us break their bonds===
 
Let us break their bonds
asunder,<br> and cast away their
yokes from us.<br>
 
===He that dwelleth===
 
He that dwelleth in 
heaven <br>shall laugh them to
scorn; <br>the Lord shall have
them in derision.<br>
 
===Thou shalt break them===
 
Thou shalt break them with a
rod of iron;<br> Thou shalt dash
them in pieces like a potter's
vessel.<br>
 
===Hallelujah===
 
Hallelujah! <br>for the Lord God
omnipotent reigneth. <br>
the kingdom of this world
is become the kingdom
of our Lord, <br>
and of His Christ: <br>
and He shall reign for ever
and ever. <br>
King of kings and lord of lords. <br>
 
===I know that my redeemer liveth===
I know that my redeemer liveth,<br>
and that He shall stand at the
latter day upon the earth<br>
And though worms destroy this
body, <br>yet in my flesh shall
I see God. <br>
For now is Christ risen
from the dead.<br>
the first fruits of them that
sleep.<br>
 
===Since by man===
Since by man came death, <br>
by man came also the
resurrection of the dead.<br>
For as in Adam all die
even so in Christ shall
all be made alive.<br>
 
===Behold I tell you===
 
Behold, I tell you a mystery!<br>
We shall not all sleep; <br>
but we shall all be changed, <br>
In a moment, <br>
in the twinkling of an eye, <br>
at the last trumpet.<br>
 
===The trumpet shall sound===
 
the trumpet shall sound, <br>
and the dead shall be raised
incorruptible, <br>
and we shall be changed.<br>
For this corruptible must
put on incorruption, <br>
and this mortal must put on
immortality.<br>
 
===Then shall be brought to pass===
 
then shall be brought to pass
the saying that is written,<br>
Death is swallowed up in
victory.<br>
 
===O death===
 
O death, where is thy sting?<br>
O grave, where is thy victory?<br>
The sting of death is sin;<br>
and the strength of sin is
the law.<br>
 
===But thanks be to God===
 
But thanks be to God, <br>
who giveth us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ.<br>
 
===If God be for us===
If God be for us, <br>
who can be against us?<br>
Who shall lay any thing to the
charge of God's elect? <br>
It is God that justifieth.<br>
Who is he that condemneth? <br>
It is Christ that died, <br>
yea rather, that is risen again,<br>
who is at the right hand of
God, <br>who makes intercession
for us.<br>
 
===Worthy is the Lamb===
 
Worthy is the Lamb that  
was slain <br>and hath redeemed us
to God by his blood,<br>
to receive power, <br>
and riches, and wisdom, <br>
and strength, and honour, <br>
and glory, and blessing.<br>
Blessing, and honour, <br>
glory and power, <br>
be unto Him that sitteth  
upon the throne, <br>
and unto the Lamb for ever  
and ever.<br>     
 
===Amen===
 
Amen.


==External Websites==
==External Websites==
* [http://gfhandel.org/messiah.htm HWV56-Handel's Messiah]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messiah_%28Handel%29 Messiah (Handel) at Wikipedia]
* [http://www.hartfordchorale.org/Messiah.htm The Hartford Chorale about Handel's Messiah]


* [http://gfhandel.org/messiah.htm HWV56-Handel's Messiah]<br />
[[Category:Text pages]]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messiah_%28Handel%29 Messiah (Handel) at Wikipedia]<br />
* [http://www.hartfordchorale.org/Messiah.htm The Hartford Chorale about Handel's Messiah]<br />

Latest revision as of 07:32, 6 May 2022

General information

The Messiah (HWV 56, 1741) is an oratorio by Handel. It is organised in three acts.

Musical setting

Other settings possibly not included in the manual list above

Text

English.png English text

Part I

Comfort ye

Tenor: 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.   (Isaiah 40:1-3)

Every valley shall be exalted

Tenor: Ev'ry valley shall be exalted, and ev'ry mountain and hill made low; the crooked straight and the rough places plain.   (Isaiah 40:4)

And the glory of the Lord

Chorus: 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.   (Isaiah 40:5)

Thus saith the Lord

Bass: Thus saith the Lord, 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.   (Haggai 2:6-7)

The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the Covenant, whom you delight in; behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.   (Malachi 3:1)

But who may abide

Bass, Alto, or Soprano: But who may abide the day of His coming, and who shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a refiner's fire.   (Malachi 3:2)

And He shall purify

Chorus: And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.   (Malachi 3:3)

Behold, a virgin shall conceive

Alto: Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Emmanuel, God with us.   (Isaiah 7:14 = Matthew 1:23)

O thou that tellest

Alto: 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, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, behold your God!   (Isaiah 40:9)

Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.   (Isaiah 60:1)

Chorus: O thou that tellest. . . da capo

For behold, darkness shall cover

Bass: 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.   (Isaiah 60:2-3)

The people that walked in darkness

Bass: 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.   (Isaiah 9:2)

For unto us a child is born

Chorus: 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.   (Isaiah 9:6)

There were shepherds

Soprano: There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.   (Luke 2:8)

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.   (Luke 2:9)

And the angel said unto them

Soprano: 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."   (Luke 2:10-11)

And suddenly there was with the angel

Soprano: And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying:   (Luke 2:13)

Glory to God

Chorus: "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will towards men."   (Luke 2:14)

Rejoice greatly

Soprano: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, thy King cometh unto thee; He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace unto the heathen.   (Zechariah 9:9-10)

Rejoice greatly… da capo

Then shall the eyes of the blind

Alto: Then shall the eyes of the blind 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.   (Isaiah 35:5-6)

He shall feed His flock

Soprano (& Alto): 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.   (Isaiah 40:11)

Come unto Him, all ye that labour, come unto Him that are heavy laden, and He will 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.   (Matthew 11:28-29)

His yoke is easy

Chorus: His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.   (Matthew 11:30)

Part II

Behold the Lamb of God

Chorus: Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world.   (John 1:29)

He was despised

Alto: He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.   (Isaiah 53:3)

He gave His back to the smiters, and His cheeks to them that plucked off His hair: He hid not His face from shame and spitting.   (Isaiah 50:6)

He was despised… da capo

Surely He hath borne our griefs

Chorus: 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.   (Isaiah 53:4-5)

And with his stripes

Chorus: And with his stripes we are healed.   (Isaiah 53:5)

All we, like sheep, have gone astray

Chorus: 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.   (Isaiah 53:6)

All they that see him laugh him

Tenor: All they that see Him laugh Him to scorn; they shoot out their lips, and shake their heads, saying:   (Psalm 22:7)

He trusted in God

Chorus: "He trusted in God that He would deliver Him; let Him deliver Him, if He delight in Him."   (Psalm 22:8)

Thy rebuke hath broken His heart

Tenor: 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.   (Psalm 69:20)

Behold, and see

Tenor: Behold, and see if there be any sorrow like unto His sorrow.   (Lamentations 1:12)

He was cut off

Soprano or Tenor: He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgressions of Thy people was He stricken.   (Isaiah 53:8)

But Thou didst not leave

Soprano or Tenor: But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell; nor didst Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption.   (Psalm 16:10)

Lift up your heads

Chorus: 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, He is the King of Glory.   (Psalm 24:7-10)

Unto which of the angels

Tenor: Unto which of the angels said He at any time: "Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee?"   (Hebrews 1:5)

Let all the angels

Chorus: Let all the angels of God worship Him.   (Hebrews 1:6)

Thou art gone up on high

Bass, Alto or Soprano: Thou art gone up on high; Thou hast led captivity captive, and received gifts for men; yea, even from Thine enemies, that the Lord God might dwell among them.   (Psalm 68:18)

The Lord gave the word

Chorus: The Lord gave the word; great was the company of the preachers.   (Psalm 68:11)

How beautiful are the feet

Soprano or Alto (or Soprano, Alto and Chorus): How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.   (Isaiah 52:7 = Romans 10:15)

Their sound is gone out

Chorus (or Air for Tenor): Their sound is gone out into all lands, and their words unto the ends of the world.   (Romans 10:18 = Psalm 19:4)

Why do the nations

Bass: Why do the nations so furiously rage together, and why do the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against His anointed.   (Psalm 2:1-2)

Let us break their bonds

Chorus: Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their yokes from us.   (Psalm 2:3)

He that dwelleth in heaven

Tenor: He that dwelleth in Heav'n shall laugh them to scorn; The Lord shall have them in derision.   (Psalm 2:4)

Thou shalt break them

Tenor: Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.   (Psalm 2:9)

Hallelujah

Chorus: Hallelujah: for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.   (Revelation 19:6)

The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.   (Revelation 11:15)

King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.   (Revelation 19:16)

Hallelujah!

Part III

I know that my redeemer liveth

Soprano: 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.   (Job 19:25-26)

For now is Christ risen from the dead, the first fruits of them that sleep.   (I Corinthians 15:20)

Since by man

Chorus: 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.   (I Corinthians 15:21-22)

Behold I tell you

Bass: 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.   (I Corinthians 15:51-52)

The trumpet shall sound

Bass: 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.   (I Corinthians 15:52-53)

The trumpet… da capo

Then shall be brought to pass

Alto: Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."   (I Corinthians 15:54)

O death, where is thy sting?

Alto & Tenor: 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.   (I Corinthians 15:55-56)

But thanks be to God

Chorus: But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.   (I Corinthians 15:57)

If God be for us

Soprano: If God be for us, who can be against us?   (Romans 8:31)

Who shall lay anything 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.   (Romans 8:33-34)

Worthy is the Lamb

Chorus: 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, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. Amen.   (Revelation 5:12-14)

German.png German text

Würdig ist das Lamm, das da starb
und hat versöhnet uns mit Gott durch sein Blut,
zu nehmen Stärke, und Reichtum, und Weisheit,
und Macht, und Ehre, und Hoheit, und Segen,
alle Gewalt, Lob, Ehr und Preis gebühret ihm,
der auf dem Stuhle thront, gebührt auch dem Lamm
von nun an auf ewig, Ehre sei auch dem Lamm auf ewig,
Segen, Hoheit, Ehre und Allmacht gebühret ihm,
der auf dem Stuhle thront, gebührt auch dem Lamm
von nun an auf ewig. Amen.

External Websites