I love the way Handel depicted the rain, fire, and hailstones in this movement from "Israel in Egypt", even if it does sound like a pretty happy weather event!
He sent a thick darkness...
Handel's "Israel in Egypt" doesn't explicitly talk about an eclipse, but there is a mention of darkness over all the land. Here's a soundtrack for the eclipse watching today!
Israel in Egypt
Did you miss Handel and Haydn Society's "Israel in Egypt" this past October? You can listen to the performance here!
Since by man came death
Every time I sing Handel’s Messiah, something else captures my attention. Last year it was “Let all the angels of God” (which is often cut). This year it’s “Since by man came death”!
He spake the word
Last week's performances of Handel's "Israel in Egypt" left me with several fun earworms (like the one below!), but also had me reflecting on how often ordinary people get caught in the middle of horrible things. "From all oppression, conspiracy, and rebellion; from violence, battle, and murder; and from dying suddenly and unprepared, Good Lord, deliver us." (Book of Common Prayer)
Handel as Orpheus
Let's talk about Handel - not about Messiah - and about how composers are just normal humans (or as normal as anyone else may be).
Revisiting Handel as Orpheus - an interview with Dr. Ellen Harris
Handel Water Music
Trying to identify a (still unidentified) earworm this past weekend led me back to Handel's Water Music - and how could I resist sharing one of my favorite movements? Enjoy the Bouree and Hornpipe!
Let all the angels of God
Delayed a bit this morning by a rehearsal in NYC for Messiah this week with the NY Phil! But I'll make up for it by letting you in on a secret - my favorite chorus in Messiah is "Let all the angels of God", and it's often one of the first ones to be cut! Have a listen here and see what you've been missing!
Waft her, angels, through the skies
A bit of gorgeous Handel for the end of this suffocating heat wave in Boston!
Messiah: Fact or Fiction?
In honor of the return of Messiah Season, check out this fantastic article by the Handel and Haydn Society and come join us this coming weekend if you're in the Boston area!