In this companion to Handel’s classic “Messiah,” American music scholar and conductor Dr. Chester L. Alwes has created an essential resource for singers, teachers, conductors, and scholars who want to understand and make informed decisions about the oratorio and its performance. This simple, accessible book contains all of the recitatives and arias, along with every variant written and authorized by Handel and the rationale behind their potential use. The thoughtful commentary that accompanies the music also suggests a wide array of choices regarding ornamentation, style, phrasing, dynamics, and more, making it ideal for scholars and advanced singers. This is a natural and invaluable addition to the already popular Leonard Van Camp “Messiah” edition (65/1001) and the resource text “A Practical Guide for Performing, Teaching, and Singing Messiah” (30/1004), both available from Roger Dean Publishing Company.

Contents: Handel's Soloists; The Variants; Summary Assessments of the Variants; Commentary on the Variants; General Thoughts about "Messiah" and its Variants; Comfort Ye my people; Ev'ry valley shall be exalted; Thus saith the Lord; But who may abide the day of His coming?; O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion; Behold, a virgin shall conceive; For behold, darkness shall cover the earth; The people that walked in darkness; There were shepherds abiding in the field; and lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them; And the angel said unto them; And suddenly there was with the angel; Rejoice greatly, O daughter of zion; Then shall the eyes of the blind be open'd; He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; He was despised; All they that see Him, laugh Him to scorn; Thy rebuke hath broken His heart; Behold, and see if there be any sorrow; He was cut off out of the land of the living; But Thou didst not leave His soul in hell; Unto which of the angels said He?; Thou art gone up on high; How beautiful are the feet; Their sound is gone out into all lands; Why do the nations furiously rage together?; He that dwelleth in heaven; Thou shalt break them; I know that my Redeemer liveth; Behold, I tell you a mystery; The trumpet shall sound; O death, where is thy sting?; Then shall be brought to pass; If God be for us, who can be against us?