Handel’s conducting score of Messiah

George Frideric Handel

1743

Manuscript

Handel (1685–1759) conducted the first performance of Messiah – a charity event in Dublin in 1743 – from this score. It is not the original composing score (now in the British Library), but the first copy made from it by Handel’s principal copyist, John Christopher Smith. Into it Handel himself not only inserted performance markings but also alternate versions of certain arias. One such, shown here, is now the familiar version of ‘Rejoice greatly’, which replaced an earlier version in 12/8 time.

Excerpt from Handel's Messiah (‘Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion’) performed by Julia Doyle (soprano), with the Britten Sinfonia conducted by Stephen Layton. Reproduced by courtesy of Hyperion Records Ltd.

Comments

What makes this a treasure?

Unfortunately the score isn't available to view in full online. There is a facsimile of it in the Bodleian and several other UK libraries including the British Library, Cambridge University Library, Kings and Manchester with ISBN 9780859671583. I hope this is of use and thanks for your message.

Posted by Bodleian Libraries

On 08/03/2013

I was a chorister at Tenbury and once a year we would be able to look through this score. Many happy memories. Can we view it online?

Posted by Kevin Jacot

On 07/03/2013

many people believe that this work (size and complex), written in 24 days, could only be divinely inspired. i agree. definitely a treasure!

Posted by debbie poynter

On 12/06/2012

Difficult to conceive of something that was MORE of a treasure.

Posted by kate stewart

On 09/10/2011

Over the years I have worked at the Bodleian this is the item that maintains the ability to send that special shiver up the spine. This was Handel’s conducting copy, his hand was on it, his notes are on the pages. For any musician this is about as thrilling as it gets.

Posted by Alison Maloney

On 22/09/2011

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