First-Centenary hosts CSO’s ‘Messiah’ concert tonight
Handel’s “Messiah” is a fixture of the Christmas season, but the composer originally intended it as an Easter offering. A performance tonight, April 16, by the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera will more closely recall that debut 273 years ago, on April 13, 1742, with an extended version rarely heard.
“‘ Messiah’ is cast in three large parts, corresponding to the Birth, the Passion and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ,” explains Janice McNair, director of worship and music ministries at First-Centenary United Methodist Church, which will host the CSO performance. While this performance is still an abridged version, she says, “it’s not often that portions of all three sections … are presented in one concert, so this is a real treat for the community.”
The CSO Chorus and guest vocalists will be featured in various selections. Soloists include soprano Sydney Gabbard, alto Penny Tullock, tenor James Harr and bass Brett Hyberger. CSO Music Director Kayoko Dan will conduct.
In Smithsonian magazine, Jonathan Kandell explains there were several reasons for debuting “Messiah” in Dublin, rather than London, where the Baroque- era composer was living.
He writes: “Handel had been downcast by the apathet- ic reception that London audiences had given his works the previous season. He did not want to risk another critical failure, especially with such an unorthodox piece. Other Handel oratorios had strong plots anchored by dramatic confrontations between leading characters. But ‘Messiah’ offered the loosest of narratives: the first part prophesied the birth of Jesus Christ; the second exalted his sacrifice for humankind; and the final section heralded his Resurrection.”
The work may be most familiar for the “Hallelujah” Chorus that concludes its second part.