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Handels Messiah: The Oratorio That Changed The World Jeremy M. Caverley Music 120 Dr. Savage Ohio University 12 August 2012

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Handels Messiah: The Oratorio That Changed The World In our culture, the works of the great baroque composer George Frideric Handel have been a continuum of musical change. Many classical to contemporary artists, musicians, singers, and composers have reflected upon the works of Handel. Beethoven said that, I would bare my head and kneel at his grave. Nevertheless, many times it seems that we as Americans may have long forgotten the work of Handel, as the music styles of todays culture seem to change like the seasons each year. It is detrimental that we as a society re-educate ourselves about this great classical artist. How did Handel become such a great composer, and where did all of this begin as this piece has over 70 scriptures used and in his other works more parts of the Old and New Testament of the Bible were used (1997). Handel was born in Halle, Germany on 23 February in 1685. His parents raised him, where he learned the piano and organ. As he grew, up he studied music with Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow, the organist at the Liebfrauenkirche, and became the church organist and later on, he studied law at the University of Halle, and again he became an organist on March 13. 1702 at the Domkirche. As fate would lead Handel on in 1703, the perplexed man moved on and started as a violinist in the Hamburg opera. Then around 1706 he moved to Italy to work on his operatic innovation and mastering the current trends of the day. As he achieved expert status, he then moved back to Germany to become a court composer in Hannover. The high elect royalty smiled upon him, and in 1711, his opera Rinaldo received rave reviews. It was then he decided to move to England From 1710 to about the 1730s, Handels influence in the musical culture started to wane. This was when the decision was made to start oratorios. The most magnificent and majestic

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work that sums up all of Handels life long journey of becoming one of the greatest composers of all time would be known as Messiah a work that has its roots found in the Old Testament in the Bible. Many times Handel would use scripture to tell a story with his newly found work of oratorios. His most performed piece was called Judas Maccabeus which he conducted 30 times. Finally, tragedy struck Handel, when in 1737; he had a stroke, which caused temporary paralysis in his right arm and some loss of mental capacity. Although, he recovered most of his normality, blindness began to set in and after several years, he died in London on April 14, 1759. As society continued to move forward, many great composers referenced and mimicked parts of his styles. However, the Messiah piece stood out among the rest. The Dublin Journal said that, [the] Messiah was allowed by the greatest Judges to be the finest Composition of Musick that ever was heard (2012). This led people to even more people to start expressing their emotions about the piece. Our feelings can be the pivotal points in our lives for most memories, including music. Oratorios find several ways to express emotion in their words, the tone of voice used, and the collection of instruments using dynamics. Daniel I. Block wrote, Messiah was the mighty drama of human redemption [that] was treated in an epic poem (2002). Many expressions about feelings come into play when hearing Messiah such as peace, love, contentment, and excitement. There is also the overwhelming spiritual aspect of the piece as each word is parts of phrases from the Bible in the Old Testament. It was also said that when the oratorio reached its high point the people would rise in respect of Handel some would say and others said it was to honor Jesus Christ. Mr. Block continues to say, the adventure has led us through winding and circuitous paths, playing with our emotions like a roller coaster, taking us down with the Messiah to the

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depths of our own depravity and then lifting us to the heights of Hallelujah, sending us down to the Netherworld to taste the bitter gall of death, but then escorting us into the heavenly throne room to join the myriads of angels and other creatures and especially the redeemed to sing the praises of the Lamb! In Handels Messiah, all, regardless of their spiritual condition In Handels Messiah, all, regardless of their spiritual condition, are invited to a spiritual experience, for one really must be dead not to be moved by this piece (2002). What Mr. Block expresses about the Messiah in itself is a wonderment of the heighten senses at their best! First Things Publication writer Michael Linton, stated that, the magnificence of the music not being the result of bombast, but rather the logical outcome of Handels stunning unisons, and contrapuntal writing, and superimposed textures this is what makes the Messiah one of the best selections ever (1997). So many people have benefited from his life-long work. Handel inspired so many artists such as Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Brahms, Grainger, and Schoenberg, to begin a new journey in music, or ignited the flame within to become other great composers in history. As well as those who enjoy listening to his fine work. What a joyful sound resonates within the ears of many Americans. As his encompassing compositions will continue to reflect and imitated in future societies. From the celebration of Christmas, Easter, to church worship services across the globe, Handels mark on life is here to stay. May his legacy continue to live on throughout the ages of time!

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References All Music Guide, Classical Archives. (2008). Composer. Retrieved from http://www.classicalarchives.com/handel.html#tvf=tracks&tv=about Daniel I. Block. (2002). Handels Messiah: Biblical and Theological Perspectives. Retrieved from http://www.sbts.edu/documents/icw/messiah.pdf Michael Linton. (1997). Americas Messiah. Retrieved from http://www.firstthings.com/article/2008/09/005-americas-messiah-8 Music Academy Online. (2007). North America Music Critics Name their Favorite Versions of Handels Messiah. Retrieved from http://www.musicacademyonline.com/newsroom/favorite_messiah_04-08-2007.php Music Sales Group. (2012). Description G.F. Handel: Messiah (Full Score Ed. Prout). Retrieved from http://www.musicsales.com/Catalogue/product.aspx/enGB/22168/GFHandelMessiahFullScoreEdProut