G.F. Handel

San Francisco Bach Choir to Present Complete Messiah

With a dramatic line worthy of opera and with action-packed musical imagery that electrified his listeners, George Fredrich Handel first brought his masterful oratorio, Messiah, to a riveted London audience in March 1743. Using a libretto taken from Bible texts and passages, Handel created an enormously successful allegorical tale of transformation that appealed to his English listeners’ growing sense of national identity. This enduring work has since been called the greatest piece of music in the English language.

On March 11 and 12, 2000, the San Francisco Bach Choir will bring Bay Area audiences a complete performance of this timeless classic for all seasons. Reaching beyond the beautiful melodies and lush orchestrations that have become cultural icons, the Choir will offer a fresh look at Handel’s genius for conveying with music the spiritual and archetypal themes of his text.

The San Francisco Bach Choir—under the leadership of Musical Director David P. Babbitt—specializes in the rich choral traditions of the North German Baroque era. With the support of fine Baroque specialists, these performances will reflect Handel’s venerated musical predecessors. Presented with the newly formed San Francisco Bach Choir Orchestra and soloists Twyla Whittaker, soprano; Jennifer Lane, mezzo; Alan Bennett, tenor; and William Neely, bass; the Choir will bring fresh interpretations, new levels of appreciation and a deepening of meaning to a spectacular work.