Handel’s Messiah

Almost two weeks ago now, The DSSO and the symphony chorus performed Handel’s Messiah for the first time since I have lived here.  A friend suggested we go together.  What a treat!

Strangely, I’ve never actually been to a performance of the entire masterwork before.  I’ve sung parts of the Messiah (the contralto arias and several of the choruses) at different times of my life in different places, and I’ve listened to recordings of the entire Messiah, but I hadn’t ever been to an actual live performance.

It was wonderful!  There is always something special about seeing music come to life right in front of you that is different than just listening to it at home.  The acoustical space (in a church) was absolutely perfect, and the balance between the orchestra and chorus was outstanding.  Perhaps the very best part, though, was having a copy of the text in front of me as I listened.  I made all sorts of connections that I don’t think I would have noticed otherwise, even though the text is in English.  I love how the story of Christmas and Easter is so firmly connected, as it should be.

I’ve always liked the Messiah, but seeing the entire work performed live really made me understand why it is such a well-loved masterpiece.  There are so many beautiful musical moments as the story is told.  I would love to hear it every year.