Messiah is Handel's best-known work and one of the most frequently performed choral works in western music. It was composed in 1741 with a text compiled from the King James Bible. It is full of show stoppers such as "For unto us a child is born", "The trumpet shall sound" and the ever-rousing "Hallelujah" chorus.

Handel's Messiah

Building a Library: a guide to the best recordings of the greatest classical music. Each week an expert and enthusiast brings along a  wide range of recordings of a well-known piece. They explore the music and the different ways of performing it, ending with a recommendation for your library

Music

Flora Willson's ultimate recommendation for Debussy's ballet Jeux.

Debussy's Jeux

Kate Molleson chooses her favourite recording of Stravinsky's The Firebird

Stravinsky's The Firebird

Jeremy Sams chooses his favourite recording of Ravel's Piano Concerto for the Left Hand.

Ravel's Piano Concerto for the Left Hand

Iain Burnside chooses his favourite recording of Mahler's Kindertotenlieder.

Handel's Messiah

Download our free app to listen on your phone