Hallelujah - The Story of the Coming Forth of Handel's Messiah

By: J. Scott Featherstone

Narrated by: David McAlister

Length: 17 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's Summary

Hallelujah, the new edition audiobook is the remarkable story of one of the greatest events in musical history, the creation of George Frederic Handel's masterpiece, "Messiah". Composed in just twenty-four days, Handel's Grand Oratorio, which rendered him immortal, was birthed in the darkest and most desperate hours of his life.

His health was failing. Critics ridiculed him. Creditors hounded him. Enemies persecuted him. Pride had nearly destroyed him. Yet, out of Handel's night emerged the dawn of "Messiah". Anyone who has thrilled at hearing the Hallelujah Chorus will feel "profound attachment" to Handel's story of hope and redemption as timeless and poignant as the music itself.

©2001 J. Scott Featherstone (P)2012 J. Scott Featherstone

I absolutely love this historica novel.

I have played the Messiah many times. I don't think people really understand the meaning of Isaiah's writings, I my self struggle but being one that loves music and the scripture this work could only have been written under divine inspiration.

Hallelujah is a must!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is an enjoyable book that draws you into the story quickly. Moving, cleaver, playful, stirring, deceit, tender and the musical background sound effects delightful. Perfect way to listen to this historical fiction of Handel and hear his music. Reading it would not be the same.

What other book might you compare Hallelujah - The Story of the Coming Forth of Handel's Messiah to and why?

Can't say.

Which character – as performed by David McAlister – was your favorite?

Rachel because of her sacrifice and love for her family.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

It should be made into a film for sure.

A gift to the world.

Will make you love the work described more

Hallelujah is basically a novelized biography of George Friedrich Handel, with primary focus on his composition of the oratorio Messiah. While at times the fictionalized portions a jarring and overly saccharine, they do a very good job of illuminating the underlying themes of the oratorio itself. Also, from a historical standpoint, the author has combined various historical figures, played with timing, and order of events. Again this can pull you out of the story...it did for me...but ultimately the story itself and its primary themes shine through the better for it. It is an entertaining and heart-warming work, and will breath new life into the music for further and deeper contemplation.

Outstanding work of art.

I purchased the written version and also the audible. I read most of it but towards the end did the audible. I want to go back and listen again because the music was so incredible and added to the story line.
The story of Handel should be read by anyone who loves his music. I was sorry when the book ended.

A little slow at the start

The starting is a little slow, but once it picks up it's hard to pause for anything.

Just ok

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I did not like how the author merged events in Handel's life that took part over 30 years and merged them all around when he wrote the Messiah in August 1741 as if
they all happened then.

If you’ve listened to books by J. Scott Featherstone before, how does this one compare?

was already interested before hand.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

no

Was Hallelujah - The Story of the Coming Forth of Handel's Messiah worth the listening time?

not wrong, not good either just okay, his portrayal of Handel was offensive the narrator and author made Handel sound like some fat pompous idiot and he was not that. Yes he had his fault but we all do but Handel was very creative genius, very smart and had a lot more elegance than these two give him credit.

Any additional comments?

This book does not give Handel his due, it does not do him justice. This is not the Handel I know and love.

One of my favorite books!!!

I loved the music in the background. I'd read this book before years ago, but really enjoyed the Audible experience this time around. Really sets the spirit of Christmas and Easter. If you love Handel's Messiah, Hallelujah is a must read!!

A Full, Bautiful Story and Stunning Read

The Reader was a full half of my enjoyment of what was a Dickens-esque tale and impressive work, which was a feat in itself! Elevating book. A game changer and one that points beyond itself.

Fabulous

The writing is detailed, compelling-pulls you in from the get go. No having to hang in for a chapter or 2 to know
if you want to stay with it. A very clever story and the reader now is my favorite!! I've tried listening to a few
other books on tape and so few I make it beyond 5/10 min.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

My first reading of Hallelujah was around 5 years ago, I believe before it was available electronically. Because it is suspenseful, I had a hard time putting the book down. The author is great with description, and subsequently makes the characters , real and fictional, very believable in their time period and parts. Description for me is a plus because I see it in my mind and feel like I’m part of the story. It’s also wonderful to read about a great artist who is more stable than many others from various periods of time. He worked on improving his life. I enjoyed the book just as much this 2nd time around.