The Duke of Devonshire invited George Frederic Handel to perform a benefit concert for charity on April 13, 1742, at the Fishamble Street Music Hall (pictured) in Dublin, Ireland. Handel wanted this to be easily performed by a smaller orchestra, so he constructed a two-hour piece in a mere 23 days for the event. When asked about this famous “Hallelujah” chorus, he said “I did think I did see all heaven before me and the great God Himself!”
