657. Whose “Messiah” Is It Anyway?

In the final episode of the "Making Messiah" series on Freakonomics Radio, Stephen Dubner explores the enduring legacy of Handel's Messiah. The episode features Jane Glover, an early music scholar and conductor, who shares her lifelong connection to the oratorio. The discussion covers Handel's business acumen, the Foundling Hospital's role in popularizing Messiah, and the evolution of Messiah performances, including Mozart's reorchestration and historically informed performances. Michael Marissen and Susannah Heschel provide insights on the controversial aspects of the libretto and its potential anti-Semitic interpretations. The episode also highlights Leonard Bernstein's unique interpretation of Messiah and concludes with Dubner reflecting on the personal significance and enduring appeal of the music.