Chances are you've probably heard Handel's Messiah at least once, if not many times. Maybe you've even performed it, as have countless musicians around the world. After all, it's probably one of the best-loved, and certainly one of the best-known, musical works in the standard repertoire. But if you thought you knew all there was to know about the great composer's famous oratorio, think again. For example, it may surprise you to learn that: Handel's first impulse to compose the work came not from religious or even musical inspiration. It had a whole lot more to do with money. The first performance of Messiah took place not in London but in Dublin - and not with a huge choir and orchestra but with only a relative handful of musicians. Although church groups and clergy members now praise Messiah as a fine example of religious music at its best, Handel had to disguise his oratorio for its first performance in London in order to sneak it past the church authorities. The Hallelujah chorus wasn't originally called that at all, but had a different name. Although Handel was proud of Messiah, he didn't think it was his best work. His favorite oratorio is one hardly anyone has ever heard of, much less heard. All these and many more entertaining (and entirely true ) facts await your discovery as internationally bestselling author David W. Barber takes you on another delightful romp through the pages of music history - as it ought to be taught

David W. Barber has delighted readers all around the world with the quirky definitions of Accidentals on Purpose: A Musician's Dictionary, the irreverent history of Bach, Beethoven and the Boys, a hilariously offbeat history of dance and ballet in Tutus, Tights and Tiptoes and a host of other internationally bestselling books of musical humor. With When the Fat Lady Sings, the popular author and musical humorist turns his attention to what Dr. Johnson called that "exotick and irrational entertainment," the world of opera. Here are stories of love and lust, jealousy, intrigue, murder and tragic death - and that's just the stuff happening off stage, in the composers' personal lives. Wait till you read about the opera plots. Informal yet informative, witty yet wise, this book will both enlighten and entertain you. As always, Dave Donald has provided witty and clever cartoons that perfectly complement the text. This completely revised and expanded edition includes new material and an index, to make it easier for readers to find all their favorite references. "This is a very humorous book, but at the same time it tells it like it is, or was. David's not really fabricating anything, he just manages to give you the gist of the history while leaving out all the boring bits." - Maureen Forrester