2-3. Comfort Ye My Peopleevery Valley Shall Be Exalted Вђ” Handel Вђ” Messiah Вђ” Score- May 2026

: While primarily in E Major , Handel employs modulations to B major (dominant) and A major (subdominant) to track the emotional shifts in the prophecy. 2. Movement No. 3: "Ev’ry valley shall be exalted" (Air)

: It is through-composed and organized into three main sections based on the text from Isaiah 40:1-3: Section 1 : God’s command to "comfort" his people. : While primarily in E Major , Handel

: The transition to the wilderness setting, marked by the iconic phrase "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness". 3: "Ev’ry valley shall be exalted" (Air) :

This movement is a , meaning the singer is supported by the full string section rather than just a harpsichord. : Handel breaks traditional recitative rules by making

: Handel breaks traditional recitative rules by making the vocal line highly lyrical and songlike, which reinforces the "comforting" nature of the text.

: Proclamation that Jerusalem's "warfare is accomplished" and iniquity is pardoned.