Handel’s Messiah

“A fascinating and deeply researched analysis, Athnos’ presentation of the underpinnings of this well-known masterwork rings true to me as a composer and conductor. His grasp of the organizational arc of Messiah as he lays out connections between its disparate internal components shows that he can view it all with not only a musical eye, but a spiritual one as well. I recommend this to anyone seeking a fresh and deeper understanding of Handel’s timeless magnum opus.”


—Gary Fry, Emmy-winning composer





“Handel’s Messiah is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in researching, performing, or just listening to this magnificent oratorio. This book connects all the dots as to how Messiah is put together with regards to the text and the music. I have had the privilege of conducting Messiah several times in my career, and I sure could have used this guide in my own preparation!”


—Michael Duff, musical director





“As a lover of Handel’s Messiah, I have always been intrigued by the wide appeal of a work that is so overtly Christian. Athnos’ book helped me to understand how Handel deployed musical forms, often subversively, to engage the human heart (or to use the Baroque term, our ‘affects’) and even bypass our cognitive ‘defenses.’ More importantly, Athnos’ book has helped me better experience something I already enjoyed. It can do the same for you.”


—Marshall Brown, senior pastor, Grace Presbyterian Church of the North Shore





“How is it that Messiah, which took Handel only about three weeks to compose, continues to captivate audiences nearly three centuries on? Athnos’ book gives us an intriguing basis on which we might begin to answer that question, showing that there is a lot more going on here than inspiring words and pretty notes. I highly recommend this book to anyone, performer or listener, who wishes to enhance their understanding of Handel’s spiritual intent.”


—Jim Vogler, partner, Barack Ferrazzano