For the ears, you can listen to an audio recording [high fidelity audio playable under all personal computer operating systems via VLC media player, Microsoft Windows Media Player with the Xiph.org codecs for FLAC et al, OS X QuickTime with the XiphQT plugin, etc., on many Android-based mobile devices, and on iOS-based mobile devices via apps such as FLAC Player or Golden Ear]

These three presentations include illustrative excerpts from a performance of Handel's Messiah by Collegium 1704, Collegium Vocale 1704, and soloists.

Some of the insights are from Carol Bechtel's study Hallelujah: The Bible and Handel's Messiah.