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Handel's Messiah: the scandalous birth of a classical masterpiece
Handel's Messiah is one of the most beloved masterpieces in classical music – Charles King explains how its birth was shaped by revolution, redemption, and unexpected alliances
- Elinor Evans
Published: March 21, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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Even if you're not a fan of classical music, chances are you will have heard Handel's Messiah. Going behind the scenes of its creation, Charles King delves into the shifting politics of the Hanoverian court, the sex scandals of London’s West End, and the surprising role of the transatlantic slave trade in financing the arts. Speaking to Elinor Evans, he reveals why, despite the complex circumstances of its creation, this legendary composition still resonates today.
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Charles King is the author of Every Valley: The Story of Handel’s Messiah (Bodley Head, 2024).
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Authors
Elinor EvansHead of digital (web and video)
Elinor Evans is head of digital (web and video)
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