You think you have problems? Consider poor George. He had enjoyed the status of a rock star, tops in his field. He was so musically gifted that his interest in music had developed before he learned to read. Although he had flunked out of college, he had become a hero in the world of music.
Now, however, at 56 years of age he was a has-been and almost forgotten. He was in a deep depression, not only worried about being A few months later, Handel took his “Messiah” to London, where it was performed before large audiences. The night of the second performance was the occasion when King George II stood when he heard the “Hallelujah Chorus,” and the audience followed suit, starting the tradition of rising for this song to this day.
During the 1820s, English music festivals revived the oratorio, and “Messiah” quickly became a favorite again for both Easter and Christmas. Ace Collins writes, (“Messiah”) “does more than arouse the intellect; it takes root in the soul.” He concludes, ” … through Handel”s ”Messiah” we can sense a bit of the awesome power and glory that illuminated the first Christmas and that continues to magnify the birth of Jesus today.”
Performance in Columbus
This year marks the 250th anniversary of Handel”s death. His “Messiah” will be presented once again in Columbus, organized by James Allen and his daughter, Elizabeth Swartz, and conducted by Doug Browning.
The performances by a chorus of singers from this area and orchestra will be Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 6 and 8 p.m. in the beautiful Catholic Church of the Annunciation. Admission is free, but tickets are advised to assure seats.
Don”t miss it.
(Editor”s Note: Free tickets for Handel”s “Messiah” Tuesday at Annunciation Catholic Church, 823 College St. in Columbus, are available at First United Methodist Church, the LINK, Annunciation Catholic Church and Party and Paper. For more information, contact FUMC at 662-328-5252.)
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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