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
A bounding, joyous SATB chorus, movement 26 of Handel's Messiah. Ends with a slow quiet coda. Orchestral direction follows the London Philharmonic recording.
F
A forcefully dramatic tenor recitative, movement 27 of Handel's Messiah. Only a minute in length, it can also be performed by a soprano soloist.
Bbm
A quiet, simple solo for tenor (or soprano), movement 30 of the Messiah is under two minutes long, and labeled an "arioso" (little aria) by Handel. The lyrics speak of Christ's sorrow, and tempos follow the London Philharmonic Orchestra recording.
Em
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 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 flowing aria for alto, movement 36 of the Messiah. Orchestral accompaniment follows Handel's original score.
Dm
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 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
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
