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 thirteen in Handel's Messiah is the only purely instrumental movement, without any singing at all. It's useful as an interlude, contemplative moment, or during an intermission. The title "Pifa" suggests shepherds' music played traditionally at Christmas by the Italian "pifferare" (pipers or shepherds).
C
Movement 18 of Handel's Messiah is a dramatic and involved aria for soprano. A fast major-key beginning and end require virtuosic singing, and the slow minor-key middle section gives the singer lots of room to be expressive. Orchestral direction reflects the London Philharmonic Orchestra recording.
Bb
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
This grand and peaceful SATB chorus is movement 21 of Handel's Messiah. The last movement in Part 1, it is usually the last song before intermission in performances of the full work. Gentle and easy to sing with a triumphant ending, with a text simple enough for anyone to understand.
Bb
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 praise band recording of the song History Maker, written by Martin Smith of delirious?. Follows similar structure to the Deeper album version, although this version has been rewritten for live instruments. Great song about making difference in today's world through God. Used by permission, under license from HFA and EMI CMG.
Am
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 dramatic SATB chorus, movement 46 of Handel's Messiah. Extremely slow and quiet sections describing death alternate with loud, upbeat sections describing resurrection. For this recording, organ quietly doubles the vocal parts in the a capella sections.
Am
A Spanish-inflected version of this popular Jewish hymn, featuring acoustic guitars, bass, piano, and drums. The lyrics translate as, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity." Mysterious and minor in tone, the two guitars evoke the sound of Ladino hymns and Sephardic Judaism.
Dm Fm Am
Jazz Trio recording of the traditional epiphany hymn, Arise Your Light Has Come. Piano, bass, and drums, rewritten in 3/4 time for a jazz waltz feel.
All Keys
Arrangement of the classic hymn Silent Night for string quartet and accoustic guitar. Three verses, with 8-bar interludes between each verse. Time signature 3/4, moderate tempo. Quicktime Karaoke Video download also available (Item ID 1162).
A Bb B C Db D Eb E
Jazz Big Band arrangement of the traditional spiritual. Perfect as a show piece or for a student choir piece. Features trumpets, saxes, trombones, and rhythm section.
F
Contemporary arrangement of the traditional Christmas hymn. Steady, energetic beat featuring guitar and strings. All four verses with an instrumental interlude and step up on the last verse.
G Eb C Bb
Contemporary orchestral arrangement of the traditional Christmas hymn. Written in 3/4 time, arrangement contains piano, bass drums, orchestra, and guitar. Perfect for caroling, as a choir anthem or as a solo performance piece. Three verses.
D F A C
