Friday, November 16, 2007

NaBloPoMo Gratitude #16

I went to hear The Messiah tonight. It was performed by the Prairie Arts Chorale, which is our regional chorus. Admission is by audition and they are quite good. They really did a lovely job with Parts the First, Second and Third of this beautiful oratorio . They had a small string group and a continuo to accompany them, and except for a few slides off key, they, too managed the complex Handel music admirably. All in all it was musically quite wonderful.

I have been hearing and performing the Messiah in various formats since high school. But this was, I think the first time I have ever heard some of it. It is for certain the first time the language alone has made me me cry.

9. Oh thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Arise, shine; for thy light has come; and the glory of the Lord has risen upon thee.

I am thanking God tonight for the genius of Handel, the talent of the musicians that brought his music to life tonight and the transformation that continues to happen in my life bringing me to ever deeper levels of joy.

1 comment:

Elaine (aka...Purple) said...

I do think he was God-inspired with his writing of the The Messiah. So glad you were able to sink into the music.