Frankfurter Domkonzerte e.V.

George Frideric Handel's oratorio "Messiah" is one of the most popular works of sacred music today. In three parts, based on the prophecies of the Old Testament, it depicts the Christian story of salvation with Jesus' birth, his death on the cross and his return at the end of days. In 1741, Handel composed the oratorio for a concert series in Dublin, where it was premiered in April of the following year and enthusiastically received. The libretto of the "Messiah" was written by Charles Jennens, who provided an "overall view of the person of the Messiah in the light of Old Testament prophecy and New Testament reflection". Although the piece lacks the typical genre feature of the oratorio, the dramatic dialog, it has become Handel's most popular oratorio by far. The outstanding success of the "Messiah" is based on the forcefulness of the music with relatively simple instrumental means: In addition to extremely characteristic instrumental movements, such as the introductory "Sinfony" or Christmas pastoral music "Pifa", we find operatically effective arias - including a duet in each of the three sections - combined with rousing choral movements, which are fugalized with greater rigour in the Passion section, but beyond that are characterized by virtuoso loosening up. Last but not least, the "Hallelujah" chorus has become one of the best-known pieces of music ever.

Anna Feith (soprano)
Larissa Botos (alto)
Erik Grevenbrock-Reinhardt (tenor)
Florian Küppers (bass)
Vocal ensemble at the Frankfurt Kaiserdom
Neumeyer Consort
Andreas Boltz (conductor)

Introductory event on 6 May at 19:30 in the Haus am Dom with Cathedral Music Director Andreas Boltz and Dr. Stefan Scholz (KARM). This evening is dedicated to the genesis of the oratorio, its musical structure and theological intentions. Admission free.

Photo: Vocalensemble at the Frankfurt Imperial Cathedral

8.5., 8 pm (introductory event on 6.5. at 7:30 pm in the Haus am Dom)

Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus, Domplatz 1, Frankfurt

2for1: price category 1 = 40 €, price category 2 = 30 €

8.5., 19-19.30, box office