Messiah is certainly Handel's best-known masterpiece, but it is far from the only one he wrote.
The oratorio Israel in Egypt, which describes the ten plagues of Egypt and the festivities in honour of Yahweh after the Exodus, is a veritable musical fireworks display for the pleasure of lovers of baroque music and choral singing: the choir is given the lion's share of attention in this work, with the choristers singing in four and eight voices, and even in double choir formation.
The majestic and regal music is a reflection of pre-imperial England, full of verve and overflowing with exhilaration.
