Oh sure, the First Act deals with the birth of Jesus as fulfillment
of Old Testament prophesy and the annunciation of the shepherds, but
it's only one of three.  The bulk of them are about his passion and
death, his resurrection, and his ascension (Act II); and redemption, the
Day of Judgement, general resurrection, and the ultimate triumph over
sin and death and the universal acclamation of Christ (Act III).

As a matter of fact that famous Hallelujah Chorus, the only part anyone bothers with generally?  Act II Finale.

Sorry to ruin your holiday season folks.

While I'm sure Handel would be gratified by the events that mostly consist of gathering the
largest group possible to unmusically caterwaul a tricky piece to do
well and one that almost nobody knows the right words to as a testament
to his enduring popularity, I suspect that he would agree with me that
they are best listened to buried among the mass of performers under the
influence of an appropriate amount of ek'smas cheer.

The original work is rather modestly scored for a small orchestra
and choir with soloists, to be performed in a hall of medium size.  The
fashion for large scale performances didn't start until 1784, 42 years
after the debut.  It has always commonly been performed for charitable
benefits.

Another interesting feature of this piece is that it's an archetype of Oratorio structure.  Handel made his mark on the English musical scene as a composer of Italian Operas which were very popular from 1711 until about 1730.  He wrote over 40 of them.  He
amassed a small fortune but was increasingly dependent on wealthy
patrons to stage his oratorios, anthems and organ concertos.  One
particular sponsor was Charles Jennens who is generally credited with
the libretto, which is in English.  Handel wrote the music in 24 days.

Now this is not unusual for an Opera and that's basically what an
Oratorio is.  The 3 Act structure is exactly the same as the Italian
Operas Handel was used to composing and the only distinguishing features
are that there are no costumes, there is no acting, and the sacred
nature of the subject.  Handel had composed similar Oratorios when Opera
was temporarily banned in Italy (counter-Reformation Fundamentalism).

Anyway, without further adieu the Messiah, all 2 hours and 38 minutes of it.

Obligatories, News and Blogs below.

This Day in History

Martin Luther King Jr. gives speech before
assasination; Bruno Richard Hauptmann electrocuted for kidnap and murder
of Charles Lindbergh's son; President Harry Truman signs Marshall plan;
Jesse James shot to death; Pony Express begins service; Marlon Brando
is born.

Breakfast Tunes

Something to Think about over Coffee Prozac

A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.

Bob Dylan