MESSIAH

Young people will not be the primary audience for this elegant volume, but it'll greatly appeal to a limited number of all ages. As explained in Christopher Hogwood's interesting scholarly introduction—which also discusses the oratorio's history—the scriptural words were selected and edited by Charles Jennens on Handel's behalf. They're reprinted here with marginal biblical citations printed in red, as are titles and other headings. Moser adds 16 stunning watercolors—some quite realistic (notably the suffering Christ); some almost purely symbolic; all with a powerful simplicity of color and image. An outstandingly handsome book, focusing on the splendid words Handel set to music. (Nonfiction. 6+)