Messiah Performance
Dear MESSIAH Singers,
From a recent DVD cover, “Discovered at age nine and a celebrated composer by age eighteen, George Frideric Handel experienced a meteoric rise to success, with forty-two operas performed on three continents in his lifetime. As enduring as Handel’s operatic work is, the prodigious German genius is best known for his oratorio MESSIAH.” Isn’t it amazing that we still perform this piece with wonder and worship, artistic integrity and emotional commitment? I think it is a credit to the genius of the librettist, Jennens, and Handel—music that transcends time and style and genre—incredible! I am convinced it also speaks to the deep need of humans to know their Messiah.
Come sing with us at Orchard Lake Church as we prepare our bi-annual Messiah performances! Please invite a friend to share in the rehearsals and performances.
REHEARSAL – PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Wednesday evenings, October 10th through November 14th 8:30-10:00 p.m.
Monday, November 19th 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Monday, November 26th 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. Soloists with Orchestra
Wednesday, November 28th Final rehearsal with orchestra 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30th Performance 7:30 p.m. (6:30 call)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2nd Performance 4:00 p.m. (3:30 call)
We will be using the Watkins-Shaw edition of the score published by Novello. Every singer must use this edition. Books will be available for purchase, at cost ($10), at the first rehearsal. Selections will be attached to this letter.
We will audition for voluntary solo positions, as well as using paid soloists. Auditions will be on Sunday, October 14th, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Orchard Lake Church. Please consider trying out! Auditions will be brief, no more than 10 minutes each. Please call our church office (249.682.0730) by Wednesday, October 10th to make your appointment. Remember that the rehearsal for soloists with the orchestra is Monday, November 26th.
Thanks for your involvement and continued interest!
Sincerely,
Bruce J. Snyder,
Director of Music Ministries
248.770.2235
Messiah Selections 2018
Part One (Excerpts)
No. Title Page Voicing
1. Sinfonia (Overture) 1
2. Comfort ye my people 4 Tenor
3. Ev’ry valley shall be exalted 6 Tenor
4. And the glory of the Lord 11 Chorus
5. Thus saith the Lord 19 Alto/Bass
6. But who may abide 21 Alto/Bass
7. And He shall purify 35 Chorus
8. Behold, a virgin shall conceive 41 Alto
9. O Thou that tellest good tidings 46 (41) Alto Chorus
11. The People that walked in darkness 51 Bass
12. For unto us a child is born 55 Chorus
13. Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
14. (a)There were shepherds 66 Soprano
(b)And lo, the angel of the Lord 66 Soprano
15. And the angel said unto them 67 Soprano
16. And suddenly there was with the angel 67 Soprano
17. Glory to God 68 Chorus
18. Rejoice greatly 73 Soprano
19. Then shall the eyes 79 Alto
20. He shall feed/Come unto Him 80 Alto/Soprano
Part Two (Excerpts)
22. Behold the Lamb of God 91 Chorus
23. He was despised 94 Alto
24. Surely He hath born our griefs 98 Chorus
25. And with His stripes 102 Chorus
26. All we like sheep 106 Chorus
27. All they that see Him 114 Tenor
31. He was cut off 124 Tenor
32. But thou didst not leave 124 Tenor
33. Lift up your heads 127 Chorus
37. The Lord gave the word 146 Chorus
38. How beautiful are the feet 243, 149 Alto, Soprano
40. Why do the nations 155 Bass
42. He that dwelleth in heaven 167 Tenor
43. Thou shalt break them 167 Tenor
44. Hallelujah 171 Chorus
Part Three (Excerpts)
45. I know that my redeemer 181 Soprano
46. Since by man came death 186 Chorus
47. Behold, I tell you a mystery 189 Bass
48. The trumpet shall sound 189 Bass
53. Worthy is the Lamb 217 Chorus
Amen 225 Chorus