November 28, 2007 10:29 PM
Advent music - Messiah
If you've never gotten into classical music, I can't think if a better way to start than Handel's Messiah - nor a better time to start than now.
Messiah is based on the foretelling of the life of Jesus, his birth, death, and resurrection. It is composed entirely of Scripture. You can read the specific scriptures here.
Handel composed Messiah in only 21 days, which leads me to think that Divine Intervention was involved. Handel is said to have seen visions of his subject matter. He said of the Hallelujah Chorus: "I saw Heaven opened and the host of it worshiping the Glory of God."
Believe me, if you listen to this glorious music - especially knowing the scriptures themselves - you will be transported too. If you click on Messiah here, then scroll down a little, you can hear the beginning of different selections. On disc one, I especially love 3, 8, and 9. On disc 2, click on 21 for just a teaser of "The Hallelujah Chorus."
When you start these traditions early, they become a rich part of your family life. My kids often choose this themselves and sing along. In fact, some of us once went to a Messiah Sing-Along, which was great fun. If you're interested look for one near you. The hall or church is filled with Messiah nuts, all with scores in hand - basses, tenors, altos and sopranos grouped together. As each piece is played, people sing the parts they know. It is really cool.
The tradition is that all rise for The Hallelujah Chorus, which is the part celebrating Christ's resurrection.
I would really love to hear if anyone adds this to their preparations for Christmas and the effect you see on your family. I wasn't brought up with this sort of stuff myself, but I've found it has added to the richness and meaning of our family celebration of Christ's birth.
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Comments
We haven't got a recording (yet); I know my father always listens to it straight through at least once before Christmas.
Incidentally, I find in some places the title is "The Messiah" and others, "Messiah". Which way is correct, with or without the definite article?
Posted by: Katie Gillet | November 29, 2007 4:36 PM
This year, our Children's Choir Director has elected to do "The Messiah" for young voices. We'll start our christmas season officially at our church with their performance on Saturday night!
Posted by: Janeen | November 29, 2007 8:12 PM
