Fourth post in the series.
I came across a post, on a blog I frequent, that examines a book called Handel’s Messiah: Comfort for God’s People by Calvin Stapert. According to the author of this blog (who asserts that he knows very little about music) the book is accessible to non-musicians. Blogger, Tim Challies says "...the book serves as a guide to Handel’s great masterpiece." George Frideric Handel composed numerous oratorios, but his most beloved oratorio today is the Messiah.
I plan on purchasing the book myself and wanted to bring it to the attention of readers of my blog. If you look at the comments section of Tim's blog (see link at the end of this post) you will find numerous suggestions of good recordings of the Messiah. If you are interested in a recording that is mindful of correct performance practices of the era (for instance, the use of Baroque period instruments, reducing the size of the performing forces (de-romanticizing, if you will), as well as employing vocal and instrumental techniques of the era) you may want to check out John Eliot Gardner's recording with the Monteverdi Choir.
Happy reading and listening!
http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/handels-messiah-comfort-for-gods-people#more