The Messiah

"In order to have a true insight into how Messiah has evolved through time, one must possess the background and history of the piece. It was truly a favorite of Handel himself. He suggested it was the product of an inspiration of sorts when he said, "I did think I did see all Heaven before me and the great God himself" (qtd. in Jacobi 7). In 1741, during a low spot in Handel's career in England, a friend, Charles Jennens convinced Handel to compose an oratorio based upon a compilation of Scriptures Jennens had recently arranged. Rather than return to Germany, Handel was convinced and began work on the oratorio (Jacobi 32). The entire work was written in a twenty-four day spurt from August 22 until September 14, in 1741. Messiah was performed for the first time in Dublin, April 13, 1742. "

from "Handel's Messiah Through the Centuries"

I have the oportunity to perform this great work this coming weekend. If you are in town and would like to attend, it will be performed at the Riverside Seventh Day Adventist church in Nashville, TN (follow the link for directions) at 11:00am 12/10/2005. As well as at the Franklin Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (follow that link for directions) at 7:00pm. There is no admission charged for either performance.

I greatly enjoy being a part of the chior that performs this piece of sacred music. It really brings home to me the meaning of Christmas and the spirit of the season. We are not professionals (at least not the chior for the most part) but return year after year (I have participated on and off as I could since 1987) for the opportunity to participate and share our joy in the season.

I hope to see you there.