"Messiah" by George Frideric Handel

If one "Googles" the phrase "Father of the Oratorio," the entry for George Frideric Handel is at the top of the list. Handel is one of the best-loved Baroque composers and was born in Germany, though he ultimately became a citizen of the United Kingdom and lived in London. He composed Messiah in 1741 and though it wasn't an immediate hit, it grew in popularity over time. It is now one of the quintessential Baroque works and is a mainstay of the often performed choral literature, making annual appearances around the world as the holiday season approaches. Audiences have been thrilled by this work and standing in unison for the Hallelujah chorus for nearly 270 years and will likely be doing so for another 270 and beyond.