This heartfelt spiritual about standing with God is presented here in a simple folk style with two acoustic guitars, upright bass, and drums. Adopted by the civil rights movement as "We Shall Not Be Moved", the melody now conjures images of standing against injustice.
D C F
The seventh movement from Handel's Messiah, a full SATB chorus. This orchestral recording follows Handel's original score, featuring strings, winds, harpsichord, and organ. Popular oratorio for Christmas and Easter.
Gm
The eighth movement of Handel's Messiah, a very brief rubato recitative for alto soloist. Only six measures long, it begins in the key of D, but ends in A.
D
In this menacing bass aria, Handel signals darkness and danger with a "Jaws"-like musical motif in the orchestra. Simple and captivating, this is movement ten of the Messiah. Perfect for Easter or Good Friday. Direction is inspired by the London Symphony Orchestra recordings.
Bm
Movement 19 of Handel's Messiah is a brief alto recitative, reciting the miracles that will occur when Jesus is born. Accompanied by bass, cello, and harpsichord.
Am
Movement 20 in Handel's Messiah is a gentle, flowing double aria for alto and soprano. The text describes how Jesus will protect his people. The alto sings the first half in F, and then the soprano takes over in Bb for the second half. Simple and beautiful. Could be done by one singer with a large range, but really perfect to feature two.
F
A majestic, triumphant aria for bass, featuring solo trumpet and full orchestral accompaniment. Movement 48 of Handel's Messiah, it speaks of the end of the world: how the dead will be raised, and the mortal will become immortal. Quite lengthy, as practically the entire four-minute aria is repeated after a short interlude.
D
Movement 49 of Handel's Messiah is a short alto recitative, setting the tone (and the key) for the alto-tenor duet that follows it (O Death, Where is Thy Sting?)
Bb
Movement 47 of Handel's Messiah is a bass recitative that serves as a noble and grand introduction to the bass aria "The Trumpet Shall Sound".
D