A Practical Guide for Performing, Teaching & Singing the "Messiah"

The key word in the title is practical; the key to the book is scholarship. Dr. Van Camp has examined Handel's original score, dissected other editions, conversed (at length) with noted Handel scholar, Professor Alfred Mann, studied the numerous acknowledged scholarly texts on the subject, and finally, pulled from his own 40 years of experience with MESSIAH as singer, soloist, conductor, and teacher, and developed this remarkable thorough & helpful guide. Popular MESSIAH myths are dispelled, practical performing questions are answered, notational errors in the various editions are corrected, and a detailed analysis of each movement is included, along with valuable suggestions for singing or teaching this wonderful masterwork. Perhaps the most unusual aspect of this guide, however, are the tips-at-a-glance style appendices which include everything from practical rehearsal schedules to notes, quotes, and anecdotes about both the composer and his most famous work.