Oh don't worry, I haven't converted to Christianity.
For the past 25 years or so, I have attended a performance of Handel's Messiah every Christmas. It's one of my most favourite seasonal traditions. Musical snobs sometimes turn up their noses, sniff disdainfully and call Messiah an old chestnut. And indeed it is! But old chestnuts attain that status for a reason -- they touch something so deep in so many people that they become a beloved musical icon. Nothing wrong with that!
Even if people don't know the full oratorio, everyone knows the Hallelujah Chorus. Here's a cool video of it with colour-coded lyrics to visually demonstrate the complexity of the choral arrangement:
This month I'm going to feature several Messiah-related posts on the blog. Tomorrow -- how can a self-respecting Goddess-worshipping pagan love this musical monument to patriarchal Christianity?
23 comments:
good music is good music no matter which religion it is in!
I'm with jaz ... good music is good music no matter what! I'm humming along ....
oh, a rock fell of my chest when I read the first sentence :)
Does this mean your next tattoo will not be of a babe in a manger? LOL
The Chorus always gives me goosebumps. This was a good rendering of the singing...all those rainbow colors, too!
I used to love to sing this in choir. It was like being in the middle of a huge instrument. Complex and stirring. The music is wonderful.
Bet you gave lots a start at your title.....your a good baddie....Oma Linda
I have a few yule cds I listen to ~ because they are familiar and comforting. Especially while baking! Morose Bruce Cockburn in the background makes me happy. :)
There is just something about Yule music that lightens one's heart.
Mary
This song instantly classes up any Christmas. Yes, let me just play this while I bask in front of the trashcan fire and swirl my toilet wine.
whew! I was worried there for a second! Thought the Edmonton winter was 'getting to you'!!
I can appreciate your love for this piece a true classic.
I agree with Jaz. She said it all!
Maybe listening to this is just what I needed... :) I'm feeling downright Grinchy today.
Love, love, love The Messiah. And no, I have converted either! ;)
What a great question to raise. Well, the answer can only be found within yourself. We all think differently, you know. But, my answer would be, I love what I love and that is it. I enjoy an array of different genres of music, with different types of lyrics and rhythmic sound. If I were to force myself to change my music taste based off of my own spiritual philosophy I think I would end up not very happy or serene. :) Kudos to your for being real with yourself. :) Happy Holidays.
I love this music! This was playing in my head all morning while out and about doing Christmas Shopping.
It is lovely, until those with weak voices try to sing it - like the annual CBC food bank fund raising choir. yikes.
I love it too - and am looking forward to reading tomorrow's post ;)
I love this music too!
I also enjoy my secular christmas
This happens to by my time of year but even I was tested yesterday at a 7-11. Go figure. I was approached by an end of days type o' fella.
This beautiful piece helped bring me back to my sanity. And I'm Protestant aka Catholic Light =)
Thanks for sharing this!
Yup, music is for everyone to enjoy.
messiah's not bad...
nudder one i like is: o, holy night - get goosebumps when it's sung right
go figger....
Ha ha. Normally I don't like reading blogs in backward order but this is fun. I know what is coming, you rascal - Worrying your followers like that:)
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