Der Messias
Music Theatre
Music by Georg Friedrich Händel
Libretto by Charles Jennens based on the Bibel
Stage version by Torsten Fischer
With texts from Colm Tóibíns »Marias Testament«
Premiered October 10, 2019
In English with German surtitles
Age recommendation: 14 years and above
150 Minuten, one interval
Georg Friedrich Händel created what is probably the world's most famous sacred composition in just three weeks. In particular, the great »Hallelujah« chorus is one of the best-known and most popular pieces of music of all times. Based solely on Biblical quotations, librettist Charles Jennens put together a three-part oratorio that tells how the ancient promises were fulfilled through the salvation offered by Jesus Christ. And it still raises questions today: Why does Jesus himself never get to speak? Why is it mainly the Old Testament that is quoted, which means that the works of Jesus are described almost exclusively from prophecies before his time? And who, ultimately, is this »Messiah«, this »Anointed One«, who was foretold so long ago and who has had such a lasting influence on our world and our culture?
Director Torsten Fischer and choreographer Karl Alfred Schreiner take on the challenge of staging this unfathomable, reflective but hardly narrative work and pursuing the great questions of faith: Why do we need a god, a saviour, to follow? What is religion and how does it affect us? – A sensuous yet thought-provoking evening of music and dance which explores the deepest meanings of what it is to be human!
Cast
Ballet of the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz
Choir of the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz
Orchestra of the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz
HÄNDELS HIMMELS HIT