Would Handel have known the hymn that became known as Wayfaring Stranger? Many argue that it is an American folksong from the 19th century, but others suggest it might have been a hymn popular in late 18th-century Germany. It is unlikely that Handel knew the song, but I expect he would have liked its message of assurance—just as in the first words of his Messiah: “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people . . . ” Here is my rendition of this consoling song.
