Handel’s Messiah was composed in London as an Easter Oratorio. It has become more of a Christmas event in more recent years. Interestingly enough, the building in which Handel composed it in 1741 is still standing and has a common wall with the neighboring building that was Jimi Hendrix’s legal address when he died 230 years later. (They must have some pretty wild block parties up there!)
This arrangement was performed on October 30 at St. Paul Cathedral, Buffalo, NY. The second section is original. I use a drop “D”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dyxi_J1fMQ
Merry Christmas and Happy New years to everyone.
