Messiah

I figured I should do this now, as it recently happened and is fresh on my mind.

Handel's Messiah. My thoughts.

This past weekend was easter weekend, and I had the opportunity to see The Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform Handel's Messiah. THE ENTIRE THING. 

First of all, getting tickets was nearly impossible. I waited with my husband at our computer right before tickets opened. It was the most stressful two minutes of my life as we sat and filled out the ticket information. Part of the problem is that all of the concerts done by the choir are totally free. The other problem being they were doing a very popular piece that everyone recognizes. After yelling at my husband to type faster about 80 times, we were able to snag some tickets. I went back to try to snag a few for my siblings a few minutes later, and they were pretty much sold out. I was surprised. Utah hasn't always been the most cultured place, so I'm wondering where all of these classical music-o-chiles came from....

The night of the concert we of course grabbed some delicious food before.

Some great Italian. Nothing much to talk about. I mean Italian is Italian, and when it isn't just Olive Garden then of course it's going to be amazing.

Eventually we meandered our way towards the Tabernacle. I was particularly excited because this concert was to be held at the actual Tabernacle, which has amazing acoustics. I have played there myself as a musician, and the acoustics are crazy when you are actually playing there. You can hear the sound reverberating and coming back to you. You actually have to not pay attention to it and just concentrate on watching your conductor.

When we arrived we saw THIS.

This was the line for people who ALREADY HAD TICKETS. Not the standby line. I was actually worried that we might not get in even though we totally had tickets. It was completely mind blowing. I have never seen lines like this for classical music concerts. It just doesn't happen these days.

Luckily we did eventually get inside, and find some decent seats.

This choir knows how to showcase itself.  Especially in the Tabernacle, it is such a sight to see and hear this wonderful choir in its original home. 

As far as the music itself goes, it was amazing. I honestly lack the words to describe it. I mean come on. 

This is a piece that had the composer weeping as he wrote it.  It is a piece that was initially turned down by the elites of the day, so Handel ended up just performing it at many charity events. The entire piece directly quotes scripture, and is no small feat. 

The piece is what is called an Oratorio. It's basically an opera sung in english and is typically quoting scripture or similar text.  It's also typically a large group of musicians. Choral and instrumental. Handel chose quite the subject matter, as it is about the savior of the world. I can think of no one better suited for such a task however, as this work truly does justice to its subject matter. 

Who can truly remain unmoved by those opening lines,
      
      "Comfort ye, Comfort ye my people."

I could literally quote the entire thing right now, and every line of it would strike some type of chord.

      "And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

This concert was not for the faint of heart. It lasted roughly 2 and a half hours, and we were sitting on pioneer style benches that left even my very spry hind quarters barking at me by the end. 

Of course everyone recognizes the Hallelujah chorus, as movies use it for practically everything, but what was surprising to me was that people actually just got up and left after that chorus was done. The chorus is not the end of the piece. There is probably about 20 more minutes of music after that, and the actual finale of the piece was truly spectacular. I even grew up listening to full length albums of the Messiah at christmas time, and I don't believe I had ever heard the actual finale until this concert. It was truly remarkable.

Especially in the Tabernacle. When the Organ came in with the Choir at full sound, the benches just rattled under the immense sound, and my heart was pounding. It was spectacular! I can't imagine leaving before that triumphant end. 

I can say no ill thing of this piece and this entire concert. It would seam that Handel was truly accompanied by angels when he created this work.

For this concert, everything was amazing. The baroque styles were masterfully conquered. Of course the soloists were remarkable. Especially the Soprano. No offense sopranos, but I often get lost in the "sopranoness" of the Soprano, but this one had a particularly clear, tight tone that was truly angelic. Of course the choir and orchestra were absolutely beautiful, and I am so grateful I was able to attend such an event. 

If you haven't heard all of Handel's Messiah, at least put it on while you're cooking dinner or doing homework or something. It is a great musical palette cleanser, and a great overall piece to boost your appreciation of classical music.

Go listen to some classical music today!