Handel's world-famous Messiah, recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, has been given an X certificate by an online music store.

Apple Computer's online iTunes Music Store marked the baroque composer's masterpiece with the red warning that indicates the content might not be appropriate for young children or others with sensitive tastes.

That puts German born George Frideric Handel, who became a naturalised Englishman in 1727, in the same category as rapper Eminem whose music has also been slapped with an "explicit" warning.

The 1742 composition is on a recording by the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by John Alldis.

According to Apple it wasn't a case that the music was too hot to handle. But the warning was a technical mix-up, though The Messiah does touch on love, violence and death.

"Obviously, there's been some sort of error," said Lara Vacante, an Apple spokeswoman.

- September 19, 2003