Following an introductory instrumental, the first of its three sections opens with the tenor recitative "
Following an introductory instrumental, the first of its three sections opens with the tenor recitative "Comfort ye my people". Based on a libretto by Charles Jennens, it spans both the Old and New Testaments, but unlike among its composer's other oratorios, it has no named characters. It premiered at the New Music Hall in Dublin in April of 1742, but today it is usually performed around Christmastime. For 10 points, what is this oratorio about Christ by George Handel that climaxes with the "Hallelujah Chorus"?
Following an introductory instrumental, the first of its three sections opens with the tenor recitative "
The {Messiah}