Composition Analysis
McCallium Davis
July 24, 2011
MUSI200 B006 Sum 11
Instructor: Bethanie Hansen
Composition Analysis Paper of Handel, Messiah, “Hallelujah” Chorus
I chose to do my paper on this particular piece because I love church music and wanted to get to know the history of this piece. I like this piece because this song can be used to encourage depressed people and those who are almost giving up in life. This musical acts as a comfort to them and gives them a reason to go on and to never give up. I really enjoyed this piece. There are no dislikes from me, I love Christian music and this piece really spoke to me. First I would like to share some background Information on this piece. Hallelujah piece was composed by George Frederic Handel in 1741 and at that time the composer was in despair and depressed. The song’s title is called messiah while the chorus is known as the Hallelujah chorus. This song is among the most beautiful compositions and the recording is probably one of the best performances of George Frederic Handel. The song has a heavenly choir and wonderful soloists. George Frederic Handel composed the song at the time when he was in a state of despair. George locked himself up in his study room and within a period of seven days, he was through with the first part of the song which came to be called the birth of the messiah. After another period of nine days, George was through with the second part of the song which came to be known as the redemption. Within a period of less than seven days, George was through with the third part of the song which came to be called the resurrection, and the future reign of Christ. The song Hallelujah chorus became a triumph to many people including the king who rose to his feet on hearing the chorus. The act of the king rising to his feet is a tradition and custom that still prevails. This is because even in churches, the congregation rises to its feet when the Hallelujah chorus is performed. This song has become the most
July 24, 2011
MUSI200 B006 Sum 11
Instructor: Bethanie Hansen
Composition Analysis Paper of Handel, Messiah, “Hallelujah” Chorus
I chose to do my paper on this particular piece because I love church music and wanted to get to know the history of this piece. I like this piece because this song can be used to encourage depressed people and those who are almost giving up in life. This musical acts as a comfort to them and gives them a reason to go on and to never give up. I really enjoyed this piece. There are no dislikes from me, I love Christian music and this piece really spoke to me. First I would like to share some background Information on this piece. Hallelujah piece was composed by George Frederic Handel in 1741 and at that time the composer was in despair and depressed. The song’s title is called messiah while the chorus is known as the Hallelujah chorus. This song is among the most beautiful compositions and the recording is probably one of the best performances of George Frederic Handel. The song has a heavenly choir and wonderful soloists. George Frederic Handel composed the song at the time when he was in a state of despair. George locked himself up in his study room and within a period of seven days, he was through with the first part of the song which came to be called the birth of the messiah. After another period of nine days, George was through with the second part of the song which came to be known as the redemption. Within a period of less than seven days, George was through with the third part of the song which came to be called the resurrection, and the future reign of Christ. The song Hallelujah chorus became a triumph to many people including the king who rose to his feet on hearing the chorus. The act of the king rising to his feet is a tradition and custom that still prevails. This is because even in churches, the congregation rises to its feet when the Hallelujah chorus is performed. This song has become the most
References: * Boydell, B. (2004): A history of music at Christ Cathedral, Dublin. Boydell Press. * Parrish, C., & Ohl, J. F. (2001) Masterpieces of music before 1750: An Anthology of musical examples from Gregorian chant to J. S. Bach. Courier Dover Publications. * Roden, T., Wright, C., & Simms, B. (2009): Anthology for Music in Western Civilization. Cengage Learning. * Kerman, Joseph, & Tomlinson, Gary. 2012, 2008, 2004, 2000: Listen-Seventh Edition. Bedford/St. Martin’s