Handel's Messiah

This is George Frideric Handel. In 1741, he was approached by a man named Charles Jennens about creating a musical oratorio on the life of Christ. Jennens' idea was to share the life of Christ, including the prophecies of His life and mission made by ancient prophets, through scriptural passages set to music. The scriptures chosen were from both the Old and New Testaments and include many well-known phrases such as: "O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion," "For unto us a child is born," and "He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." This oratorio served not only to celebrate the life of Christ, but to teach the largely illiterate, everyday men and women who didn't have access to the Bible, scriptures concerning the Savior. In 24 days, Handel composed his now- famous music. This was not just another job or simply an opportunity to flex his creative muscle - composing the score for Messiah was a spiritual journey. In those 24 days, Handel hardly slept or ate, instead working feverishly to complete the piece. In one account, a servant who was bringing the composer a tray of food found Handel in tears. He had just finished the "Halleluja Chorus" and declared, "I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself." On April 14, 1742 in Dublin, Ireland, Messiah was performed for the first time. After it was finished, someone came to congratulate Handel on creating such a marvelous piece of "entertainment." Handel replied, "Entertainment! My purpose was not to entertain, but to teach them something."

So, why the history lesson about Handel and the wonderful Messiah he wrote? Because my stake is part of a Tri-Stake/Interfaith collaboration. We are performing a Messiah sing-in. I am part of the large choir, but I also auditioned for the chamber choir and was accepted. I'm VERY excited. (I tried out for a solo as well because it is good for me to stretch myself and act in faith, but didn't get a part. That is actually good, since I wasn't expecting to get a solo and most likely would have died of fright if I had.) Anyhoo, if you want to come and be taught and uplifted by this most marvelous piece of music, we are singing on November 29, 7pm, at Northridge High School. You can bring your own music and participate in certain songs as well. I would love to have you there.