Messiah by George Frideric Handel (London, UK — 1741) — Questions and answers

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What is the name of the famous musical work that George Frideric Handel composed in just 24 days?

Choices

  1. The Hallelujah Chorus
  2. Messiah ✓
  3. Dublin Premiere
  4. British Library

Answer: Messiah

From page 1

Which composer greatly influenced Handel's music, especially his dramatic vocal works and use of the English language?

Choices

  1. Isaac Newton
  2. Charles Jennens
  3. Henry Purcell ✓
  4. King George II

Answer: Henry Purcell

From page 2

Why did Handel decide to stop focusing on Italian opera and start writing English oratorios?

Choices

  1. Italian opera was becoming too expensive to produce.
  2. He wanted to impress King George II.
  3. People in London were no longer interested in Italian opera and wanted something else. ✓
  4. He ran out of new ideas for Italian operas.

Answer: People in London were no longer interested in Italian opera and wanted something else.

From page 3

Who gave Handel the special collection of biblical texts that would become the story for 'Messiah'?

Choices

  1. The Dublin street vendor
  2. Charles Jennens ✓
  3. Henry Purcell
  4. King George II

Answer: Charles Jennens

From page 4

Why was Handel happy to premiere his new oratorio in Dublin instead of London?

Choices

  1. He had many friends in Dublin.
  2. He wanted to escape the rivalries and opinions of the London music scene. ✓
  3. The New Music Hall was only in Dublin.
  4. He heard the Dublin audience was much bigger.

Answer: He wanted to escape the rivalries and opinions of the London music scene.

From page 5

How did Handel feel when he arrived in Dublin and saw all the posters for 'Messiah'?

Choices

  1. Scared and nervous
  2. Bored and tired
  3. Inspired and excited ✓
  4. Angry and frustrated

Answer: Inspired and excited

From page 6

Where did the first performance of 'Messiah' take place in Dublin?

Choices

  1. In a grand church
  2. At King George II's palace
  3. At the New Music Hall ✓
  4. On the busy streets of Dublin

Answer: At the New Music Hall

From page 7

What special tradition started when King George II heard the 'Hallelujah' chorus during the performance?

Choices

  1. Everyone started to sing along.
  2. Everyone began to dance.
  3. Everyone stood up. ✓
  4. Everyone clapped very loudly.

Answer: Everyone stood up.

From page 8

After the premiere of 'Messiah' in Dublin, how did Handel feel about the audience's reaction?

Choices

  1. He was surprised by their quietness.
  2. He was disappointed they didn't understand his music.
  3. He was grateful and felt his music had been given "wings." ✓
  4. He felt ready to move back to London immediately.

Answer: He was grateful and felt his music had been given "wings."

From page 9

According to the text, why does Handel's music like 'Messiah' continue to be performed and enjoyed by people all over the world today?

Choices

  1. Because it is very easy to sing.
  2. Because it touches deep human emotions and offers hope. ✓
  3. Because it is only performed during the Christmas season.
  4. Because Handel left a lot of money for it to be performed.

Answer: Because it touches deep human emotions and offers hope.

From page 10