Handel’s oratorio Messiah, which depicts the life of Jesus, is a seasonal staple in Korea’s December concert calendar. Originally composed in English in 1741 and premiered for charity in Dublin, Messiah lasts about 2 hours 20 minutes across 53 movements and three parts: prophecy and birth, Passion and atonement, and Resurrection and eternal life. Though first performed in the church-related oratorio tradition (a vocal-religious genre called Oratorio), it was intended for concert performance; its famous “Hallelujah” chorus famously prompted a 1743 London audience to stand, a tradition that continues today. While Europe still often performs Messiah around Easter, North America and Korea favor Christmas-season presentations. This December, seven performances are scheduled in the Seoul metropolitan area by groups including the National Chorus, Seoul Oratorio, and several municipal choirs.
