1. When was Handel born?
2. When did Handel die?
3. In what country was Handel born?
4. In what country did Handel spend most of his life?
5. Handel's father wanted his son to work in what vocation?
6. Handel played the harpsichord and what other instrument in the orchestra of the opera house in Hamburg?
7. In what year were his first two operas produced?
8. In 1717, Handel's Water Music was first performed for a water party on the Thames as a reconciliation between Handel and whom?
9. What happened to Handel in April, 1737, at the age of 52.
10. Where was Messiah first performed?
11. When was Messiah first performed?
12. How many singers were in the first performance of Messiah?
13. Where was Handel buried?
14. Who said of Handel that he was "the master of us all... the greatest composer that ever lived. I would uncover my head and kneel before his tomb. Go to him to learn how to achieve great effects, by such simple means."
15. Why do most audiences stand when the "Hallelujah Chorus" is performed?
16. Messiah is presented in three parts. Part I (the Christmas portion) starts with the prophecy and coming of Christ. Part II (the Easter portion) describes the passion and death of Christ. What is the theme of Part III?"
17. The tenor soloist is coming to the end of the air "Thou shalt break them" and we are preparing for what is undoubtedly the best known chorus in the oratorio, the chorus "Hallelujah." What occurrence could distract the singers during the first few bars of the chorus?
18. We've just finished "For unto us a Child is born" and we get to take a breather, thanks to the orchestra. What does the orchestra play following this chorus?"
19. In what capital city did Handel die?
20. In 1753 what permanent disability did Handel suffer?
In what city did "Messiah" debut?
21. True or False: The first vocal piece in "Messiah" is a chorus.
22. What is the first chorus in the libretto of "Messiah"?
23.Part Two begins with the chorus "Behold the Lamb of God". Where in the Bible is this verse found?
24. In Part Two, the text for several pieces is taken from the passage in Scripture that describes the Suffering Servant. From which book of the Bible is this taken?
25. From which book of the Bible is the text of the chorus
"Hallelujah" taken?
26. Part Three starts with the soprano aria, "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth". From which books of the Bible is this taken?
27. True or False: The chorus "Hallelujah" is the last piece in Messiah.
28. There is a tradition of standing during the chorus "Hallelujah". This tradition started in 1743. Who is the person credited with starting this tradition?
29. True or False: The work was composed for a church service.
30. True or False: Handel first performed the piece on Christmas Eve, 1742.