: While primarily in E Major , Handel employs modulations to B major (dominant) and A major (subdominant) to track the emotional shifts in the prophecy. 2. Movement No. 3: "Ev’ry valley shall be exalted" (Air)
: It is through-composed and organized into three main sections based on the text from Isaiah 40:1-3: Section 1 : God’s command to "comfort" his people.
: Handel breaks traditional recitative rules by making the vocal line highly lyrical and songlike, which reinforces the "comforting" nature of the text. : While primarily in E Major , Handel
Following the recitative without a break, this (or Aria) is characterized by its "peppy" and anticipatory energy. Workbook Pages Answer Book pages More Detailed Analyses
: Proclamation that Jerusalem's "warfare is accomplished" and iniquity is pardoned. 3: "Ev’ry valley shall be exalted" (Air) :
This movement is a , meaning the singer is supported by the full string section rather than just a harpsichord.
: The transition to the wilderness setting, marked by the iconic phrase "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness". Workbook Pages Answer Book pages More Detailed Analyses
Following the somber E-minor Overture, George Frideric Handel’s Messiah (1741) opens the vocal narrative with a dramatic shift to , signaling a transition from darkness to divine promise. Movements 2 and 3 form a cohesive pair—an accompanied recitative followed by an air—that introduces the tenor soloist as a prophetic herald of the coming savior. 1. Movement No. 2: "Comfort ye my people" (Accompagnato)