It All Began With The Libretto of Charles Jennens, The Sine Qua Non of "Handel's" Messiah, Political Outsider, "Handel Nut," Benefactor, And Christian. He Wanted No Glory Or Money (He Had Money)
Thank you ever so much for this and for the wonderful recording of And he shall purify🌺🌺🌺 Probably you already know it, but you might also enjoy the Christmas Oratorio by Saint-Saens. Having grown up in Thuringia in Germany, for years I sang in a choir and for Christmas it was always Bach's Christmas Oratorio. Everything so beautiful, this music makes me look forward to heaven even more.
I sung in it in high school. I was so in the zone that all i remember of the last performance was walking in and then it was over. Love the version with Joan Sutherland.
Amusing story re Messiah: Some years ago we attended a church hall concert of Messiah. Prior to the performance we were treated to nibblies and a few glasses of wine in the rectory. A pal who sang opera regaled us with stories from his days on the stage, including one where, in a performance of Carmen, he and his friend were offstage awaiting entrance and suddenly noticed one of the minor leads had been replaced by a nasally reedy tenor. It was not lovely tones they were used to. They looked at each other and fell into gales of soundless laughter. Just then they realized it was their entrance, so they stumbled onstage, unsuccessfully stifling their fit of giggles. The stage manager was not amused. Of course our pal gave us a hilarious imitation of said nasally reedy tenor.
It was at that point we realized the Messiah concert was to start, and we went out to take our seats ... in the middle of a row in the middle of the audience. The familiar music started. Ah, the beauty of Handel. And then the tenor opened his mouth ... sounding exactly like our friend's imitation of the Carmen tenor. What??? I suppose it was the combination of the vino and the well-told story, but horrific laughter began bubbling up in our throats. We all leaned over and carefully studied our programs desperately trying to stifle the laughter. We had to be a sight - six people bent over, noses in programs, shoulders heaving. We dare not look at each other, or it would have been all over. Blessedly, he would stop singing and we would have a respite, and be able to breathe, but then he would start up again, and once more we would lose control. It was the longest 45 minutes of my life; I thought I would implode. Some of us did not return after the intermission. We were exhausted.
Looking forward to listening to some of the Messiah samples you left. I trust there are no reedy tenors.
You bring back distant memories. In my distant past life (up to 64 YO) I sang in an Episcopal church choir where we did the Messiah religiously every Christmas. By that point it may have been the only thing the Anglicans still did religiously. Anyhow, singing it was a balm for the soul.
Thank you, Celia. How lovely to wake up to this beautiful message and sound.
Thank you ever so much for this and for the wonderful recording of And he shall purify🌺🌺🌺 Probably you already know it, but you might also enjoy the Christmas Oratorio by Saint-Saens. Having grown up in Thuringia in Germany, for years I sang in a choir and for Christmas it was always Bach's Christmas Oratorio. Everything so beautiful, this music makes me look forward to heaven even more.
I sung in it in high school. I was so in the zone that all i remember of the last performance was walking in and then it was over. Love the version with Joan Sutherland.
Amusing story re Messiah: Some years ago we attended a church hall concert of Messiah. Prior to the performance we were treated to nibblies and a few glasses of wine in the rectory. A pal who sang opera regaled us with stories from his days on the stage, including one where, in a performance of Carmen, he and his friend were offstage awaiting entrance and suddenly noticed one of the minor leads had been replaced by a nasally reedy tenor. It was not lovely tones they were used to. They looked at each other and fell into gales of soundless laughter. Just then they realized it was their entrance, so they stumbled onstage, unsuccessfully stifling their fit of giggles. The stage manager was not amused. Of course our pal gave us a hilarious imitation of said nasally reedy tenor.
It was at that point we realized the Messiah concert was to start, and we went out to take our seats ... in the middle of a row in the middle of the audience. The familiar music started. Ah, the beauty of Handel. And then the tenor opened his mouth ... sounding exactly like our friend's imitation of the Carmen tenor. What??? I suppose it was the combination of the vino and the well-told story, but horrific laughter began bubbling up in our throats. We all leaned over and carefully studied our programs desperately trying to stifle the laughter. We had to be a sight - six people bent over, noses in programs, shoulders heaving. We dare not look at each other, or it would have been all over. Blessedly, he would stop singing and we would have a respite, and be able to breathe, but then he would start up again, and once more we would lose control. It was the longest 45 minutes of my life; I thought I would implode. Some of us did not return after the intermission. We were exhausted.
Looking forward to listening to some of the Messiah samples you left. I trust there are no reedy tenors.
Celia, you are amazing! How do you find time?
You bring back distant memories. In my distant past life (up to 64 YO) I sang in an Episcopal church choir where we did the Messiah religiously every Christmas. By that point it may have been the only thing the Anglicans still did religiously. Anyhow, singing it was a balm for the soul.
Highly relevant this Christmas. Everyone needs to learn and perform by heart. The ultimate message of freedom for now. Have listened often lately.
We are divided. We need a statement of interdependent freedom, solidarity, and spiritual grace. This is it. Complete with the nature of the struggle.
🙏 for the stories and heavenly music.Loved this since childhood.
love it- here's the flash mob mentioned - beautiful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE
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Beautiful, thank you, Celia.
The music remains the one outstanding piece that embodies Christmas and always brings me to tears.
Me too.
Heading out to a live performance in a Toronto church this Sunday....this will get me primed!! Thanks Celia:)
Another fabulous choice Celia. The information is interesting and most welcome. Thank you.
Another fabulous choice Celia and accompanied with very interesting information, Thank you so much. More listening to do.
Plan to listen to each of these in the coming days. I literally know nothing about this music, so thank you very much, Celia.