MESSIAH

oratorio - a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text




The Easter season is upon us. We've been talking a lot about what Easter means around here. Last Sunday was Palm Sunday, the offical kickoff of this very important season. Some good friends from church invited us to the world famous musical oratorio of Handel's Messiah. Greg is not a big fan of classical music, but we've been studying different composers in our CC class; Handel being one of them. This musical took place at the chapel of our friend's old almamater, a local university in the area. A generous anonymous donor funded the musical, making it free for anyone who wanted to come. Our friends seen it at Christmas and said it was awesome. And it was!

Messiah presents an interpretation of the Christian view of the Messiah, or "the anointed one" as Jesus the Christ. Divided into three parts, the libretto covers the prophecies concerning the Christ, the birth, miracles, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, and finally the End Times with the Christ's final victory over death and sin.

The most famous movement is the "Hallelujah" chorus, which concludes the second of the three parts. The text is drawn from three passages in the New Testament book of Revelation:

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. (Revelation 19:6)

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:16)

In many parts of the world, it is the accepted practice for the audience to stand for this section of the performance. The tradition is said to have originated with the first London performance of Messiah, which was attended by King George II. As the first notes of the triumphant Hallelujah Chorus rang out, the king rose to his feet and remained standing until the end of the chorus. Royal protocol has always dictated that when the monarch stands, everyone in his (or her) presence is also required to stand. Thus, the entire audience and orchestra stood when the king stood during the performance, initiating a tradition that has lasted more than two centuries.

We also stood at this point in the show. It was so awesome!

Can I tell you the music was awesome, the singing was awesome? So much talent in one room; opera, chorus, and symphony. And can you believe our children sat still and quiet for 2 whole hours, with one intermission?? The truth is, most all children are mesmerized by a symphony and singing. Okay, okay, we had a few incidents. Like trying to contain our children from hysterical laughter over one of the opera singers, and sudden outbursts of imitating the musical conductor. (Frailing arms could be dangerous) But other than that, it was great. Our whole family enjoyed it, even my hubby.

So the following week, Laci did her oral presentation in CC class on Handel's Messiah. She talked about how it was the story of Christ, the different types of singing (opera and chorus), and what sort of instruments she saw in the symphony.

If you have not had a chance to see Handel's Messiah, I hope one day you can go. Look for productions around Christmastime, and go and enjoy the story of Christ! You will not be disappointed. Oh, and don't forget to stand on the Hallelujah Chorus, so you too can be a part of centuries old tradition!