This book on Handel's Messiah reflects Helmuth Rilling's remarkable skills, both as a conductor and as an educator. It is literally a 'studyguide' for conductors and performers which shows the stepbystep thought process Rilling uses in preparing a score a methodology which can be applied to any work. More importantly, Rilling challenges the reader to probe Handel's thinking to consider ways of more effectively communicating the deeper layers of meaning found within this masterwork. (H. Royce Saltzman, Executive Director Emeritus, Oregon Bach Festival)