The Spiritrax.com Christmas Collection Vol. 1 includes 12 of our most popular Christmas songs in their most commonly sung keys. Each accompaniment background track comes with sheet music and a demonstration version.
Movement 28 of Handel's Messiah is a four-part SATB fugal work about Christ's faith in God. All vocal parts are doubled clearly in the orchestra, making the complex music easy to sing. A fairly fast allegro movement with a slow dramatic ending.
Cm
A very brief accompanied recitative from Handel's Messiah for tenor (or soprano). Only 30 seconds long, movement 31 forms a bridge between two short tenor arias, "Behold, and See if There Be Any Sorrow" and "But Thou Didst Not Leave His Soul in Hell", so a recital soloist might perform all three as a set. Very slow and rubato, with tempos following the London Philharmonic recording with Walter Susskind conducting.
E
Movement 32 of Handel's Messiah is an aria for tenor (or soprano). Moderately, calm, and stately, it occurs just after Christ is killed, and reassures the audience that his death is temporary. Orchestral direction and tempos follow the London Philharmonic recording with Walter Susskind conducting.
A
Movement 33 of Handel's Messiah is celebratory and challenging, with a strong Amen ending, a great choral work for Christmas or other holidays. This SATB (and at times, SSATB) chorus that features strong unison rhythms alternating with quiet fugal sections. Full orchestra accompaniment that follows Handel's original score.
F
A slow, peaceful aria for soprano with orchestral accompaniment. Movement 38 of Handel's Messiah, the lyrics praise Christians who spread peace and the good word. The slow tempo leaves room for vocal ornamentation.
Gm
A strong, energetic SATB chorus, movement 39 of the Messiah is fairly brief. Forte all the way through, it makes a good concert opener. The orchestra follows Handel's original score.
Eb
An exciting aria for bass soloist, movement 40 of the Messiah. Furiously bowing strings mirror the nations and kings in the lyrics, which "furiously rage together".
C
M ovement 41 of Handel's Messiah is a lively, energetic SATB chorus. Imitative parts and frequent modulations present an interesting challenge for any choir. One measure has been added to the beginning to establish tempo and key.
C
A forceful, exciting aria for tenor, with lyrics describing God's wrath towards those who work against him. Orchestral direction follows the London Philharmonic recording. Movement 43 of Handel's Messiah, this aria occurs immediately before the famed Hallelujah Chorus.
Am
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
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
The Complete Messiah includes all 53 songs from the classic oratorio by Handel. This package has over 2.5 hours of music in 52 MP3 backing tracks, perfect for performing the Messiah from start to finish. Fully recreated from Handel's original scores. Lead sheets are included for the Arias and Recitative numbers only.
A traditional solo organ accompaniment to this well-known hymn of gratitude and stewardship. Perfect for Thanksgiving. Lyrics touch on themes of responsibility, the earth, and care of the environment.
F Eb Bb
