Tacoma Symphony Orchestra and Chorus present full Messiah

One of the most famous works for chorus and orchestra is Handel’s Messiah. Although not written specifically for Christmas, it has come to be an important tradition of the Holiday season for people throughout the world.  “Hallelujah Chorus” is one of the most enduring and widely known passages of music of all time, as is the poignant aria “I Know that My Redeemer Liveth.”  The Tacoma Symphony Chorus, along with the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, will present the work at 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 20 at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 7112 S. 12th Street in Tacoma.  Chorus Director Geoffrey Boers will conduct the performances.  Joining him will be soprano Maria Mannisto, mezzo-soprano Melissa Schiel, tenor Eric Neuville, and baritone Peter Tuff.  The concert is sponsored by Franciscan Health System.  For tickets, $25, call (253) 272-7264 or visit www.tacomasymphony.org.

In 1741, Charles Jennens, a great admirer and sometime collaborator of Handel, presented him with a libretto based on Old and New Testament passages from the King James version of the Bible. The libretto inspired Handel, and from August 22 to September 14, 1741, he composed what would become his most beloved and inspired work.   Though employing biblical texts, oratorios were not otherwise regarded as sacred, but as works of popular entertainment.  The “pop” status of oratorios notwithstanding, Handel regarded Messiah with reverence.  At the conclusion of the highly successful Dublin premiere in 1742, a friend complimented Handel: “I must congratulate you upon such a beautiful piece of entertainment,” to which Handel replied, “Entertainment! That was not written for entertainment, but for education.”

Messiah is divided into three sections. The first is concerned with the prophesy of the coming Messiah and then with Christ’s Nativity. Part II deals with Christ's suffering and death. The concluding section offers an affirmation of Christian faith and glimpses of Revelation. The famous “Hallelujah” chorus brings Part II to a close with triumphant joy.  The tradition of the audience standing dates back to 1743 when King George II stood to express his admiration for the work, prompting the audience to follow his lead. Part III begins with the aria “I know that my Redeemer liveth.” The final message from Revelation is that of redemption and praise.