The Messiah
Hallelujah Chorus swells to new heights this year
Carol Wehe
Issue date: 12/4/08 Section: Arts
Sophomore Isaac Johnson stood alone, black choir book in hand, as the tuning of the stringed instruments tapered off; and when a sole trumpet sounded, the strings joined to accompany him as he sang of Christ's final resurrection.
The Hillsdale College Choirs and Orchestra will present their quadrennial rendition of Handel's "Messiah" this week at College Baptist Church in three weekend performances.
Associate Professor of Music James Holleman said he uses the musical Christmas narrative as his unofficial barometer to measure the increasing abilities of his students. He added that the orchestra's playing is better than ever before.
"I step back and go 'Wow,'" he said. "It's exciting to see their level of preparation. They've been just tremendous."
The choir's quality is improving too. In the past, only faculty members performed the arias in the "Messiah." Now, student members of the chamber choir will sing all but three.
"It's really cool that we get to sing solos with the whole orchestra playing in front of us," said senior Jeff Myers, a chamber choir member.
The choirs and orchestra will omit only three of the 53 movements from the nearly three-hour work that Handel composed in the summer of 1741 in just 24 days. Tickets sold out quickly for the concert, even with a total 1350-person capacity over the course of the three days. As of Wednesday, tickets were sold out for all three performances.
"Everyone can be inspired and enjoy it," Associate Professor of Music Melissa Knecht said. This masterpiece has "something that hits the vein of a listener."
Sophomore Hannah Regan joined the choir this semester and jumped to say it's because of the opportunity to sing the "Messiah." She's not alone.
" 'Messiah' semesters are always the largest," Myers said. "The choir this semester is the largest since my freshman year."
Music students in the orchestra will also perform an extra concert next spring thanks to their improved abilities.
The higher skill level helps them learn music faster and focus on fine-tuning pieces, Knecht said.
The Hillsdale College Choirs and Orchestra will present their quadrennial rendition of Handel's "Messiah" this week at College Baptist Church in three weekend performances.
Associate Professor of Music James Holleman said he uses the musical Christmas narrative as his unofficial barometer to measure the increasing abilities of his students. He added that the orchestra's playing is better than ever before.
"I step back and go 'Wow,'" he said. "It's exciting to see their level of preparation. They've been just tremendous."
The choir's quality is improving too. In the past, only faculty members performed the arias in the "Messiah." Now, student members of the chamber choir will sing all but three.
"It's really cool that we get to sing solos with the whole orchestra playing in front of us," said senior Jeff Myers, a chamber choir member.
The choirs and orchestra will omit only three of the 53 movements from the nearly three-hour work that Handel composed in the summer of 1741 in just 24 days. Tickets sold out quickly for the concert, even with a total 1350-person capacity over the course of the three days. As of Wednesday, tickets were sold out for all three performances.
"Everyone can be inspired and enjoy it," Associate Professor of Music Melissa Knecht said. This masterpiece has "something that hits the vein of a listener."
Sophomore Hannah Regan joined the choir this semester and jumped to say it's because of the opportunity to sing the "Messiah." She's not alone.
" 'Messiah' semesters are always the largest," Myers said. "The choir this semester is the largest since my freshman year."
Music students in the orchestra will also perform an extra concert next spring thanks to their improved abilities.
The higher skill level helps them learn music faster and focus on fine-tuning pieces, Knecht said.
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Dr and Mrs. Jago
posted 12/07/08 @ 2:52 PM EST
Stellar performance on Friday - well worth the drive up from Georgia - and back through the wind and snow.
Our compliments to all involved - from Professor Holleman to the voice teachers; from the musicians (harpsicordist & organist) and all the orchestra members to the choristers and soloists - Well done!
By far the highlight of our Christmas this year!
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