Which composer wrote the oratorio Messiah, first performed in Dublin in 1742?

George Frideric Handel wrote the oratorio Messiah, first performed in Dublin in 1742.

Handel composed Messiah in London during 1741, working from a biblical text compiled by Charles Jennens. The first performance took place at the New Music Hall in Fishamble Street, Dublin, on 13 April 1742. It was presented as a charitable concert and attracted substantial public interest.

The oratorio is divided into three parts covering prophecy and the birth of Christ, the Passion and Resurrection, and themes of redemption and resurrection. Unlike an opera, it is primarily an unstaged concert work, with chorus, solo singers and orchestra carrying the narrative.

The famous “Hallelujah” chorus comes near the end of Part Two. Handel’s work is often associated with Christmas, but its complete subject extends through Easter and the Christian doctrine of resurrection. The title is commonly written simply as Messiah, without an article.