At the top of the list—Handel’s Messiah. By the German-born, naturalized British citizen, George Frideric Handel (1685-1759). It was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742. Continued to be performed. Still, as we know, is. Often.
Thank you for bringing The Messiah back into my consciousness. My older brother had a 4 record set of The Messiah that he played on his portable stereo in his bedroom. The music wafted down the hallway and into my bedroom and a from that moment on, I was hooked - for all the reasons you outlined, (most of which would have gone completely over my age at the age of 8). The meaning and impact of the words were energized by the music that somehow resonated with me deeply. Like you, growing up, I would play The Messiah all through the year. It had no season for me. I'd forgotten the impact it had on my growing up until I read your essay. Again, thanks Rich. It's on my Spotify playlist for this afternoon.
Back in the '70s, I was privileged to sing Messiah every year with the combined choirs of Hood College (all women) and the Naval Academy (all men). Being in the midst of those voices was a thrilling, transporting experience. Those exhausting runs in "For unto us.." required everything we had and left us purified. Thanks for for the reminder. I'm pulling out my old LP now to listen.
Hi Rich,
Thank you for bringing The Messiah back into my consciousness. My older brother had a 4 record set of The Messiah that he played on his portable stereo in his bedroom. The music wafted down the hallway and into my bedroom and a from that moment on, I was hooked - for all the reasons you outlined, (most of which would have gone completely over my age at the age of 8). The meaning and impact of the words were energized by the music that somehow resonated with me deeply. Like you, growing up, I would play The Messiah all through the year. It had no season for me. I'd forgotten the impact it had on my growing up until I read your essay. Again, thanks Rich. It's on my Spotify playlist for this afternoon.
Thanks so much, Ron. It is a great piece, isn't it? Halleluiah!
Merry Christmas, Richard. Have a wonderful holiday.
And you as well, Kaylene!
Back in the '70s, I was privileged to sing Messiah every year with the combined choirs of Hood College (all women) and the Naval Academy (all men). Being in the midst of those voices was a thrilling, transporting experience. Those exhausting runs in "For unto us.." required everything we had and left us purified. Thanks for for the reminder. I'm pulling out my old LP now to listen.
Merry Christmas!
You, too!