Sir, - Lovers of Handel's Messiah find themselves concerned about the latest effort in over two centuries of reworkings of the masterpiece (a process begun by Handel himself soon after he had first penned it). They may be interested to know that just two days after the RDS performances there will be an opportunity to hear the work as perhaps the Dubliners of 1742 heard it - without the subsequent accretions of 19th-century grandiosity or indeed late 20th century eclecticism. The choir or Christ Church Cathedral (which sang at the very first performance) and Christ Church Baroque are to perform Messiah on Tuesday, December 7th in the cathedral. The orchestra will be of similar size to that used by Handel, and will be playing instruments made in an 18th-century style. (Incidentally, this will be the first performance to be given by this ensemble on entirely period instruments.) As in 1742, there will be an international array of soloists. And of course, the performance will take place mere yards from the site of the first performance in Fishamble Street. - Yours, etc.,
Mark Duley, Co-artistic director, Christ Church Baroque, The Chapter House, Christ Church Place, Dublin 8.