Ye My Peopleevery Valley Shall Be Exalted Вђ” Handel Вђ” Messiah Вђ” Score-: 2-3. Comfort

Following the somber E-minor Overture, George Frideric Handel’s Messiah (1741) opens the vocal narrative with a dramatic shift to , signaling a transition from darkness to divine promise. Movements 2 and 3 form a cohesive pair—an accompanied recitative followed by an air—that introduces the tenor soloist as a prophetic herald of the coming savior. 1. Movement No. 2: "Comfort ye my people" (Accompagnato)

: The transition to the wilderness setting, marked by the iconic phrase "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness". Following the somber E-minor Overture

This movement is a , meaning the singer is supported by the full string section rather than just a harpsichord. Following the somber E-minor Overture