Every Valley
The Desperate Lives and Troubled Times That Made Handel's Messiah
What's it about
Ever wonder how a timeless masterpiece is forged in the fires of chaos and desperation? Discover the turbulent, scandalous, and surprisingly modern world behind Handel's Messiah, and see how a work of soaring beauty emerged from an era of financial collapse, political upheaval, and personal ruin. You'll go beyond the familiar score to meet the divas, hustlers, and visionaries whose messy lives shaped this iconic oratorio. Learn how Handel navigated a treacherous cultural landscape, turning personal and societal crises into an enduring artistic triumph that continues to resonate with audiences centuries later.
Meet the author
Charles King is a Pulitzer Prize finalist and Professor of International Affairs and Government at Georgetown University, renowned for his award-winning histories of cities, cultures, and ideas. His deep expertise in uncovering the hidden social and political currents of the past allows him to reveal the turbulent world of desperation, genius, and ambition behind Handel's celebrated masterpiece. King brings a historian's rigorous eye and a storyteller's gift to the dramatic lives that converged to create one of the most beloved works of music.
What's it about
Ever wonder how a timeless masterpiece is forged in the fires of chaos and desperation? Discover the turbulent, scandalous, and surprisingly modern world behind Handel's Messiah, and see how a work of soaring beauty emerged from an era of financial collapse, political upheaval, and personal ruin. You'll go beyond the familiar score to meet the divas, hustlers, and visionaries whose messy lives shaped this iconic oratorio. Learn how Handel navigated a treacherous cultural landscape, turning personal and societal crises into an enduring artistic triumph that continues to resonate with audiences centuries later.
Meet the author
Charles King is a Pulitzer Prize finalist and Professor of International Affairs and Government at Georgetown University, renowned for his award-winning histories of cities, cultures, and ideas. His deep expertise in uncovering the hidden social and political currents of the past allows him to reveal the turbulent world of desperation, genius, and ambition behind Handel's celebrated masterpiece. King brings a historian's rigorous eye and a storyteller's gift to the dramatic lives that converged to create one of the most beloved works of music.
The Script
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