: Proclamation that Jerusalem's "warfare is accomplished" and iniquity is pardoned.
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) Workbook Pages Answer Book pages More Detailed Analyses
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 Workbook Pages Answer Book pages More Detailed Analyses
: Handel breaks traditional recitative rules by making the vocal line highly lyrical and songlike, which reinforces the "comforting" nature of the text. Workbook Pages Answer Book pages More Detailed Analyses
: 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.
: 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)