Film Lens
Messiah (1999), directed by William Klein, is a film performance of George Frideric Handel's oratorio Messiah, composed in 1741. The film features a combination of live performances and visual imagery captured in France, the United States, and Russia. The music is conducted by Marc Minkowski, leading the Musiciens du Louvre/Grenoble Orchestra and Chorus, which adds a rich auditory layer to the visual presentation.
The film includes a diverse cast of soloists, such as Charlotte Hellekant (alto), Lynne Dawson and Nicole Heaston (sopranos), and Magdalena Kožená (mezzo-soprano). With a runtime of 117 minutes, it is a co-production involving Kuiv Productions, France 2-Cinema, Canal+, and La Sofica Gimages 2, showcasing an international collaboration in the arts.
Why Watch
- •See Handel's Messiah performed by top soloists.
- •Find out how Klein combines music with stunning visuals.
- •Meet conductor Marc Minkowski and his orchestra.
Did You Know
•The film was produced in 1999, the same year it was released.
•The oratorio Messiah was originally composed in 1741 by Handel.
•Marc Minkowski conducted the Musiciens du Louvre/Grenoble Orchestra for this performance.
•The film features eight soloists, including countertenor Brian Asawa and tenor John Mark Ainsley.
Perfect For
Classical music loversFans of HandelVisual arts enthusiasts