Sir, - Messiah is a great work of music, but it is over-played, over-hyped and overdone.
Handel wrote many other oratorios that are just as fine musically and dramatically. The greatness of Moses and the power of his link with the Divine shine through in Israel in Egypt. Patriotic fire linked with humility and absolute trust in God are the light in Judas Maccabaeus. Handel's understanding of women and their emotions is perfectly shown in Esther. The character studies in Saul are brought out in the music as only a master could do it. And some of the choruses in Jephtha are more than the equal of those in Messiah. And there are others.
If choirs declared the next five years to be a Messiah-free zone, they and their audiences would benefit. - Yours, etc.,
Elizabeth Stuart Mills, Cavan Road, Kells, Co Meath.