Without a doubt Handel's "Messiah" is one of the most enduring and beloved musical works of all time. Stapert provides background on the oratorio form along with some insights into the composer Handel. He then goes on to describe the work's earliest and enduring performance. He discusses some of the truths taught in the oratorio in light of theology. The final section of the work offers a commentary on the work. Stapert's audience is decidedly an academic one. The writing is probably too stilted to be enjoyed by all but those obsessed with the work or musical form. Recommended only for music professionals with a strong interest in the classical tradition. Those interested in more contemporary forms of worship or wanting a devotional read on Handel's work will probably want to pass. ( )

I had difficulty with this, especially towards the end. It seemed to me that it should be different, somehow. I did ultimately like it, but only just. I believe the writer does an adequate job of conveying facts without much interest in carrying the reader along in the extraordinary nature of the piece. It is these very points, that draw most people to read a book of this nature. ( )

Messiah in June and July!

This is my third time reading this. I listened to it on audio the first two times, and you can see my review below. I bought the Kindle version because I wanted to be able to underline things in it and use it as a reference book for writing my devotional on Messiah.

It is so much better to read it than to listen to it! I am convinced the narrator is not the best "voice" for the author. I liked it so much more just reading the printed version. It is heavy on the music, but I needed that since I am not an expert on Italian oratorio, secco recitatives, arias, etc.! I learned so much more being able to see it in print and think I really understand and appreciate Handel's Messiah even more! (Is that even possible?).

Here is my review from last year. It is not everyone's cup of tea, but I am a nerd when it comes to Messiah:
When I first started trying to listen to this in 2010, I thought: BORING! The narrator sounded a bit stuffy, and it went on about Italian Oratorio and all that, but I gave it a second try Christmas season 2011. I sat down and really listened to it. It is a WEALTH of insight and information about this masterpiece! I loved it. If you are a Messiah Geek like me, it will benefit you greatly to understand the ins and outs of this gift from Handel!
If you are not a Messiah geek, it may be a bit too academic, but I listened to it again this Christmas, and I found myself wanting to write down quotes. I listened to a little of the book and then the part of the music he had just described. I love that I would go to bed and wake up with these Scripture songs in my head during the Christmas season because CHRIST is what the season is all about!
It will be my annual tradition!
My devotional will be the whole month of December and will be at the BIBLE BOOK CLUB . Lord willing, I might make it into an e-book and/or a nice Christmas devotional book with pictures! We will see! ( )

This is a rather interesting look at the circumstances and technique involved in the justly famous Messiah piece. Many parts are a bit dense for those who do not know music theory, and it really helps if you are very familiar with the work itself. Still, I thought it quite insightful to see just how Handel approached this material and the mastery involved in making it. ( )

NCLA Review - There may be no more well-loved musical work for Christians than Handel’s Messiah, which is performed every year by countless church choirs in Advent and in Lent. Few, however, have the opportunity or take the time to familiarize themselves in depth with the libretto and score of the work. Calvin Stapert’s book Handel’s Messiah: Comfort for God’s People aims to meet this need. The book opens with three chapters on the history of the oratorio, of Handel himself, and of the work Messiah; it is followed by detailed commentary on each segment of the work. Stapert’s book suffers from the challenge of any book written about music: words about music are only a pale reflection of the music itself. The writing, while knowledgeable, tends a bit to the pedantic side. It’s a worthwhile book, but recommended only for church libraries that have many serious music lovers in their congregations. Even then, I’d advocate for buying a couple of CD’s of the actual oratorio first. Rating: 2 —KLF ( )