Handel specifically arranged his oratorio as a triptych of three major sections, Part One dealing with the Prophecy and Christ's Nativity , Part Two the Passion, culminating in the ‘Hallelujah Chorus' , and Part Three taking the theme of the Redemption.

Members of the Academy of Ancient Music all play instruments of the period, or accurate modern copies. The choruses are sung by boy trebles and male altos, terrors, and members oft he Choir of Westminster Abbey.

The recording was made in Westminster Abbey and takes full advantage not only of the Abbey's fine acoustic qualities, but also of the incomparable architectural splendour of the surroundings.