Tainted Glory in Handels Messiah

An eye-opening reexamination of Handels beloved religious oratorio Every Easter, audiences across the globe thrill to performances of Handels Hallelujah Chorus, but they would probably be appalled to learn the full extent of the oratorios anti-Judaic message. In this pioneering study, respected musicologist Michael Marissen examines Handels masterwork and uncovers a disturbing message of anti-Judaism buried within its joyous celebration of the divinity of the Christ. Discovering previously unidentified historical source materials enabled the author to investigate the circumstances that led to the creation of the Messiah and expose the hateful sentiments masked by magnificent musical artistryincluding the famed Hallelujah Chorus, which rejoices in the dashing to pieces of Gods enemies, among them the people of Israel. Marissens fascinating, provocative work offers musical scholars and general readers alike an unsettling new appreciation of one of the worlds best-loved and most widely performed works of religious music.