The SOPRANO Voice is always drawn into the " Hallelujah " which uplifts every mood into the soaring heights of blessed song.
The genius of Handel seems to provide the spiritual emotion of God's gift to the musical multitudes assembled.
As John Milton eloquently wrote: " Ring out ye crystal spheres, Once blessed our human ears ( If ye have power to touch our senses so ) And let your silver chime Move in melodious time; And let the base of heav'ns' deep organ blow, And with your ninefold harmony Make up full consort to th' angelic symphony "
The libretto taken directly from the Old and New testaments and the Psalms, taken from the Anglican Book of Prayer, sheds omnipotent light upon the text and musical manuscripts.
Handel wrote a letter to a friend " July 10. 1741 " saying that he would do nothing in the next winter.
Amazingly, he wrote the BIRTH in seven days, the DEATH in nine days, the RESURRECTION in six days and then orchestrated the whole MESSIAH in two days.
Handel wondered, if GOD had intervened during the inspirational dedication of the score .
It was related that George Handel never left the house while composing the MESSIAH, he remained, " in a trance like state ", according to his servants.
In my experience, the beauty and flexibility of the music lends itself to every aspect of human praise in the context of GOD.
I have sung it, by request, at Easter, Christmas, Memorial Services, Christenings and Thanksgiving Concerts.
Personally, I prefer to perform Handel's arias during the Festive season. Which brings us to the preparation of Christmas Concert Repertoire.
This a special time of year when all the world experiences the spirit of ONE VOICE. Singing becomes the heartbeat of the universe.
Concert planning is not easy task ... IT IS AN ART, which inevitabily dictates " WHO'S WHO " in the musical society. The pastime of sharing this seasonal music with others is a intricate legacy of joy for all participants.
YOUNG SINGERS should consider learning patience in arranging traditional, more common programs which the public and critics tend to expect during a debutante concert.
Repertoire may include: Adeste Fideles ( Oh Come All Ye faithful ), Sweet little Jesus Child, The Carol of The Birds, Ermuntre Diche, Mein Shwacher Geist, What Child Is This, Bring A Torch Jeanette Isabella, Star Candles, Maria Wiegenlied,The March of the Kings, O Holy Night, The Birthday of a King, Come Unto Him, The Carol Of The Birds and Silent Night. Christmas Revels and Carols should also be included for audience participation.
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Roslind M. Sherman's Classical Voice Training topic, please visit the Discussions page.