Tradition in its many ways is a part of Christmas for everyone, as
they so choose and experience. For instance, considercookies, carols,
feasting, noise; sleighbells, Santa, parties, toys! Plus, holiday
giving with lots of mirth, candlelight services to honor His birth!
Whether one participates in any or all of the aforementioned, an
international tradition revered by many is to sing or hear a
performance of Handels Messiah.
Written in just 21 days during a time of the composers illness and deep indebtedness, its first performance was April 13, 1742.
In March, 1743, the Messiah was first introduced in London, and on
that occcasion George II was present. He was awed by the Hallelujah
Chorus, he rose in his seat and stood during its entirety. The
audience, seeing the King rise, rose too and remained standing as long
as their monarch did.
What began as a spontaneous gesture became a tradition. Since then,
audiences through the years have habitually risen during the
Hallelujah Chorus.
For Handel, upon completion of this chorus, he exclaimed to his
servant, I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God
Himself.
We in the Foothills will have the opportunity of respecting the
Hallelujah Chorus when parts of the Messiah are sung by chorus and
soloists Thursday evening, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Tryon Fine
Arts Center.
All persons who have sung any part of the Messiah are encouraged
to participate in this festive choral event in the TFAC auditorium.
No rehearsal is planned, and copies of the full score are available upon arrival that evening.
Jan Impey, director, and Pam McNeil, accompanist, say they are
looking forward to welcoming everyone – soprano, alto, tenor and bass.
For further information, call the TFAC office at 828-859-8322 or Jan Impey at 828-894-3830.