This slow minor-key SATB chorus is Movement 22 of Handel's Messiah, opening the second part. Beautiful and dramatic canonic entrances, with all the choral parts clearly mirrored in the orchestra.
Gm
A slow, moving aria for alto, Movement 23 of Handel's Messiah, describing Christ's sorrows. Strings gently weep in the accompaniment. As the A section is over five minutes in length, Handel's instructions to continue with a bridge and then repeat the A section in its entirety are rarely followed. This recording ends, like most, at the end of the A section; the bridge is available separately as Spiritrax 1209, "He Gave His Back to the Smiters".
Eb
This quiet alto aria about Christ's generosity towards his abusers is the B section of movement 23 of the Messiah. It was recorded separately so that it can be used alone, as a short and simple aria, or as a bridge to "He Was Despised" (Spiritrax 1208) as per Handel's original instructions.
Cm
A powerful, strong SATB choral work, movement 24 of Handel's Messiah. In only 19 measures, the choir sings powerful unison rhythms, soft contrapuntal entrances, and a forceful antiphonal ending. Beautiful and recognizable.
Fm
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 contemporary praise band arrangement of the classic hymn, featuring acoustic guitar, drums, bass, and hammond organ. Great uplifting hymn about love, peace, equality, and community in Christ. Great for Easter, too!
F Bb D
A slow, deliberate tenor recitative, movement 25 of Handel's Messiah, describing Christ's sorrow at being abandoned to his fate. String orchestra with harp and harpsichord, matching Handel's original score.
B
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
A flowing aria for alto, movement 36 of the Messiah. Orchestral accompaniment follows Handel's original score.
Dm
A short, powerful SATB chorus from Handel's Messiah, relating the first time that Christ speaks to the preachers after rising from the dead. Fast virtuosic lines in all parts, clearly doubled in the orchestra. An impressive concert work. Movement 37 in Handel's Messiah.
Bb
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
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 flowing duet for alto and tenor leads into a glorious SATB chorus thanking God. This track comprises movements 50 and 51 of the Messiah. Orchestral accompaniment is from Handel's original score.
Eb
The massive final movement of Handel's Messiah, scored for SATB chorus and full orchestra, includes unison rhythm choruses, four part fugal sections, a big ending, and a four-minute Amen section that could be considered a separate movement. Trumpets and kettledrums boost the energy of this truly grand finale.
D
