Freakonomics Radio 656. How Handel Got His Mojo Back
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Dec 12, 2025 
Ellen Harris, a musicologist and Handel expert, and Charles King, a political scientist and author, delve into the fascinating journey of Handel. They uncover how Handel composed the monumental Messiah in just 24 days while facing financial woes. The discussion reveals the multicultural influences in his work, the emotional connection audiences feel with Messiah, and how a single performance in Dublin revitalized his career. They also highlight the struggles, entrepreneurial spirit, and eventual success that transformed Handel into a musical legend.
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Dublin Trip Was A Financial Opportunity
- Handel went to Dublin because they offered to cover expenses and pay him a cut of ticket sales.
- Messiah itself was excluded from profit and performed as a charity event.
Rehearsal Clash In Chester
- Philip Rushforth recounts Handel rehearsing in Chester and berating a sight-reader named Janssen.
- Janssen famously replied, "I can indeed, sir, but not at first sight."
Cosmopolitan Formation Shaped Handel
- Handel's early training in Halle and time in Italy shaped his cosmopolitan musical voice.
- His Italian experience taught him to compose for audiences and intensified his flair for dramatic melody.
