 |
      |
|
|
| HANDEL - MESSIAH HIGHLIGHTS
German-born George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) composed his greatest choral work, Messiah, between August 22 and September 14, 1741 while living in London, England. In all, 260 pages of manuscript were created over the amazingly short span of 24 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| HANDEL - MESSIAH HIGHLIGHTS
German-born George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) composed his greatest choral work, Messiah, between August 22 and September 14, 1741 while living in London, England. In all, 260 pages of manuscript were created over the amazingly short span of 24 days. Handel said when he began the “Hallelujah” chorus, it seemed as if “all Heaven and Earth were lying open to his gaze.”
Historical Context
1685: James II succeeds Charles II in England, calls for freedom of conscience. Protestants fear restoration of Catholicism and demand “Glorious Revolution.” Handel is born.
1689: Peter the Great becomes Czar of Russia-attempts to westernize nation and build Russia as a military power.
1705: Halley’s Comet discovered by Edmund Halley, England.
1707: United Kingdom of Great Britain formed-England, Wales and Scotland.
1741: Handel composes Messiah.
1756: Mozart born.
Though they never met, Handel and Bach were born within one month of each other in Germany, and both were reportedly devout Christians. While Bach’s musical callings came mostly within the church, Handel (a committed Lutheran) did not feel called to work at a church. He received commissions to create his original music from kings, courts, a variety of patrons, and other secular sources. From time to time, certain bishops would send selections of Scripture to Handel for him to set to music. He interpreted their actions to imply that he didn’t know his Bible. In reply to this he once said, “I know my Bible; I shall choose for myself.” He travelled all over Europe, living in Italy for many years, and then later in England.
While Handel’s father hated music and made every attempt to discourage his son’s efforts, he still went on to worldwide fame. His mother, the daughter of a Lutheran clergyman, was greatly affected by her knowledge of the Bible and was said to be a woman of deep piety. Her influence on her son was great. While both London and Rome tried to get Handel to change his faith, he continually said that he had “resolved to die a member of the communion in which he had been born and bred.”
He had a heart for God, as evidenced in a letter to his brother-in-law, at the death of his own mother. Handel states, “It pleased the Almighty, to whose great Holy Will I submit myself with Christian submission.”
Handel’s Messiah, is unquestionably the most popular choral music in history. The work is a series of fifty-six excerpts from the King James Bible, chosen by librettist Charles Jennens. The first part details Christ’s coming to earth, the second Christ’s death and resurrection, and the third describes the hope and faith of Christianity. One writer has said that Messiah’s message “has probably done more to convince thousands of mankind that there is a God about us than all the theological works ever written.”
It was first performed in Dublin, Ireland on April 13, 1742, during Lent. While the oratorio is currently presented mostly around the Christmas season, it was originally presented as an Easter work in the theatre, as operas were prohibited from being performed during the Lenten season. Still, future performances came under fire from religious conservatives who felt the lyrics didn’t belong in the theatre. After the debates settled down, Handel was able to present his work for several years, as a commercial endeavour, just before Easter. He would even include several benefit performances to raise money for charity.
After the London premiere performance of Messiah, Handel was congratulated on the excellent “entertainment,” to which he immediately replied, “I should be sorry if I only entertain them; I wish to make them better.” It was also during this London premiere when the King of England stood to his feet during the opening lines of the triumphant “Hallelujah Chorus,” beginning a tradition that has remained for over two centuries.
Produced by Eric Wyse
Executive Producers: Peter Sternberg & Richard Martin
(P) & © MMIII Classic Fox Records
www.foxrecords.co.uk
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MASTERWORKS OF WORSHIP SERIES
Classical music can be a most exhilarating and satisfying sensory experience. However you uncover the gems of classical masterpieces, whether on a recording or in a live concert, the genius of the composer, as well as the emotional and spiritual underpinings all contribute to the uniqueness of each piece.
For Christians there is an added bonus to listening to much of this kind of music, since it was, in fact the praise and worship music of its time. This was the music that came out of the church, written to encourage and inspire believers to turn their attention toward the Kingdom of Heaven. Have you ever listened to a passage of classical music and felt something spiritual, that you couldn’t put your finger on? Many of these composers lived lives that were intensely spiritual, and used their music as a way to communicate their faith. Sounds like the contemporary Christian music scene of today, doesn’t it?
The Masterworks of Worship collection is an opportunity for you to sink into some of the greatest sacred classical masterpieces ever composed. You may have heard some of the music before, but perhaps you’ve never taken the time to find out what they were really saying in the lyrics. Here is a chance for you to pump new life into your daily worship through an inspirational connection with the classics as you find that these composers have put into words the thoughts you’ve only had in your heart.
The following notes provide an insight to each composer and their work. Wherever possible lyric translations have been included for pieces performed in languages other than English - a resource which we hope will provide you with the greatest possible understanding, enjoyment and appreciation of these celebrated classics.
TITLES AVAILABLE IN THE SERIES:
MASTERWORKS OF WORSHIP VOLUME 1
1. Handel - MESSIAH (Highlights)
2. Mozart - CORONATION MASS
3. Brahms - REQUIEM
4. GREAT CHORUSES (With Full Orchestra)
MASTERWORKS OF WORSHIP VOLUME 2
1. Bach - ST. JOHN’S PASSION (Highlights)
2. Vivaldi - GLORIAS
3. Haydn - CREATION (Highlights)
4. GREGORIAN CHANT
MASTERWORKS OF WORSHIP VOLUME 3
1. Beethoven - MISSA SOLEMNIS
2. GREAT INSTRUMENTALS
3. Rachmaninov - VESPERS
4. Stainer - CRUCIFIXION
Produced by Eric Wyse
Executive Producers: Peter Sternberg & Richard Martin
(P) & © MMIII Classic Fox Records
www.foxrecords.co.uk |
|
|
|
|
|
Facebook
Twitter
Contact Artist
Add to Profile
Add to station