by Richard Gray
For many people, the music of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah is instantly recognizable. Here in the Twin Cities, the oratorio (a sacred opera) is performed regularly each season. It tells the story of Christ’s life, from his birth, suffering, death, and resurrection. Although Messiah is often performed at Christmas time, much of the music really focuses on the Passion and Resurrection. Because of this, several movements are particularly meaningful to hear during Holy Week. Among the St. John’s choir’s Holy Week repertoire, we will hear several selections from Messiah.
On Palm Sunday, the choir will sing “Lift Up Your Heads,” a movement that has joyful energy and a lively dialogue set to Psalm 24 “Lift up your heads, O ye gates…and the King of glory shall come in.” The music shares the excitement of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
As we worship together on Good Friday, we will hear the chorus “Surely He Hath Borne our Griefs” with text from Isaiah 53. Handel’s music here invites us into the solemn reflection of the day that Christ suffered for us.
At the Easter Vigil and on Easter Day, we will sing one of the most familiar pieces of choral music known, the Hallelujah Chorus. Its wonderful proclamation “and He shall reign forever” really captures the victory over death and Christ’s resurrection. In addition to the Hallelujah, our baritone staff singer, Phill Takemura Sears, will sing the aria “The Trumpet Shall Sound” accompanied by organist in residence, Dean Billmeyer. The text “The trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible” is an incredibly powerful and hopeful expression of the message of Easter.
We hope this music will deepen our worship together during the most sacred week of the year.
