Every year, the members of the Richmond Symphony Chorus pull out their score to Messiah. These scores are orange, 257 pages long, well worn, and covered with hundreds, if not thousands, of pencil marks. You would think that after so many years of performing Handel’s masterpiece that we would tire of singing the same old notes over and over again. But, alas, we don’t. In fact, it is one of our favorite times of the year. Because we know the piece so well, we get to discover things we’ve never heard before, we get to try new ways of interpreting the work, and we get to revel in the fact that we are an important part of musical history. Below is something I put together for the chorus a few years ago – something to remind them why we do continue this beloved tradition.
-- Erin
Top Ten Reasons to Perform Handel’s Messiah Every Year
10) We have an historic responsibility to do so – to continue the annual performance tradition that began in 1742. That’s 268 consecutive years! That’s even better than Cats!
9) To fulfill the musical and dramatic expectations set-up in the first four movements (The Overture, “Comfort Ye”, “Ev’ry Valley Shall be Exalted”, and “And the Glory of the Lord”). (Come listen to the performance and you’ll see what I mean…These four movements set the stage for the drama that is to come!)
8) This work contains a great variety of musical colors – from melismas (super fast runs) to majestic chords, from renaissance timbres to dramatic, opera-inspired moments. Really – what more could you want?
7) For the message – whatever you interpret that to be.
6) We can. ‘Nuff said.
5) It brings to mind treasured (and often hilarious) memories of previous performances and rehearsals. (Mine? The way the chorus learns those wicked runs in “All We Like Sheep.” Think “Baroque Samba.”)
4) You can do it differently every year – so it’s always new.
3) While it’s as familiar as a favorite sweater, it’s always a challenge, and there’s always something new to find.
2) It’s a physical workout. No need to go to the gym that day. Seriously! If you’re not sweating by the time you get to the Hallelujah Chorus, there’s something wrong!
1) Your favorite place – that moment or movement you can’t wait to sing, and you mourn a bit when it has passed. (Mine? The first measure, because the rest is still to come!)
All true. This is the first time in 25 years that I'm not singing some Messiah, somewhere. It just ain't right--doesn't feel Christmas-y at all.
ReplyDeleteOne more reason to sing annually? There are different soloists every year, and so often they shine new light on--through?--the music. And when you're in the Chorus, you've got the best seat in the house.
Also, don't forget, that you could have your chance to perform Handel's Messiah every year by auditioning for the Richmond Symphony Chorus!
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