The opening of the final chorus of Handel's "L'Allegro" seemed awfully familiar last night during rehearsal... turns out it's the same opening as the chorale tune "Jesu meine Freude"! If you want to hear it, come to Handel and Haydn Society's concerts on Friday and Sunday (and hit me up if you want a discount/comp ticket)!
Handel and Jennens
Handel's "Messiah" is beloved now (especially this time of year), but when it first premiered the librettist, Charles Jennens, was so irritated with what Handel had done that he swore he would not give him another libretto. Read more about the relationship between Handel and Jennens here!
For unto us a son is given
In December of 2022 I sang Messiah choruses nine different times in 3 different places. I adored every minute of it. At the time, I was pregnant with Michael and while we knew we were having a boy, we hadn't told anyone yet. That year, "For unto us a child is born" held a special meaning for me - it was like my own little secret. Ever since, I've enjoyed singing "For unto us" and remembering that special year.
Water Music
A hike along a river today reminded me of the stories about Handel’s Water Music and how he (allegedly) used it to get back in King George’s good graces. Curious about those stories? Read more here!
He gave them hailstones for rain
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