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656. How Handel Got His Mojo Back

When he wrote “Messiah” (in 24 days), Handel was past his prime and nearly broke. One night in Dublin changed all that. (Part two of “Making ‘Messiah.'”)
Duration
1h 3m
Broadcast on
12 Dec 2025
Audio Format
other

When he wrote Messiah (in 24 days), Handel was past his prime and nearly broke. One night in Dublin changed all that. (Part two of “Making Messiah.”)

 

  • SOURCES:
    • Charles King, political scientist at Georgetown University.
    • Chris Scobie, curator of music, manuscripts, and archives at the British Library.
    • Ellen Harris, musicologist and professor emeritus at MIT.
    • Mark Risinger, teacher at St. Bernard's School.
    • Philip Rushforth, organist and master of the choristers at the Chester Cathedral.
    • Proinnsías Ó Duinn, conductor and music director of Our Lady's Choral Society.

 


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When he wrote “Messiah” (in 24 days), Handel was past his prime and nearly broke. One night in Dublin changed all that. (Part two of “Making ‘Messiah.'”)