It was 1741. George Frederic Handel was fifty-six, failing in his health, and so deeply in debt he faced a debtor's prison. He was a talented musician, but insisted on composing religious dramas to be presented in secular theatres. He had one failure after another while competing opera companies sold the greater number of tickets. Handel gave his farewell concert on April 8, 1741. He was finished...... or so he thought. God was not finished with him.
A wealthy friend gave Handel a libretto based on the life of Christ. It was completely from the Bible. At the same time he received a commission from a Dublin charity to compose a piece for a benefit performance to help free some men from debtor's prison. Something deeply spiritual grasped this musical composer. On August 22, 1741, Handel began. Music poured from his pen. Day and night he composed, rarely stopping to eat. In six days he had completed Part One. Nine more days and he finished Part Two. Six more days and nights and Part Three was completed. He had written 260 pages of music manuscripts in twenty-four days! A friend visiting him found Handel crying with deep emotions. Finally, quoting the Apostle Paul, he said: "Whether I was in the body or out of my body, when I wrote it, I know not."
Messiah premiered April 13, 1742 . As it was a charitable event, it raised 400 pounds and freed 142 men from debtor's prison. A year later it was performed in London. The Church of England was critical of it before it was even presented. The King of England, however, decided to attend. He was deeply moved. When the "Hallelujah Chorus" began the King rose to his feet. Following protocol the entire audience stood. This custom is still practiced today. Does God inspire music to be written? Without a doubt! This great work presented around the world is proof of that. "And He shall reign for ever and ever...Hallelujah!! "
