Händel-Haus | Foto: Thomas Ziegler
International Academic Conference
Awarding of the 5th International Handel Research Prize
Organizer: Institut für Musik, Medien- und Sprechwissenschaften, Abteilung Musikwissenschaft, der Martin-LutherUniversität Halle-Wittenberg gemeinsam mit der Stiftung Händel-Haus und der Georg-Friedrich-Händel-Gesellschaft e. V.
The conference will focus on the performance history, the history of the arrangements and the history of the impact of the oratorio, which symbolises the worldwide reputation of the composer more than any other work. Intended by the librettist Charles Jennens as a response to contemporary deistic doubts about the Messianic mission of the Christian Redeemer, Messiah has during the course of its unbroken performance history from 1741 to the present day attained the status of a profession of faith which is not only transconfessional, but capable of having an impact even in secular contexts. In its significance for the reception of Handel, Messiah is surpassed only by the Hallelujah Chorus.