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

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

: The transition to the wilderness setting, marked by the iconic phrase "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness". : Handel breaks traditional recitative rules by making

: 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. : Handel breaks traditional recitative rules by making

: Proclamation that Jerusalem's "warfare is accomplished" and iniquity is pardoned. : Handel breaks traditional recitative rules by making