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 11 from Handel's Messiah is an aria for bass. The creepy chromatic melody is played unison by the orchestra and soloist, giving an unusual, dark character to the text. Tempos are similar to the London Symphony Orchestra recording.
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
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 full-blown fugue for SATB chorus, in grand Renaissance style. Handel doubles all the choral parts clearly in the orchestra, making this an easy fugue to sing. Movement 25 of the Messiah.
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
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 brief four-measure tenor recitative, movement 34 of Handel's Messiah. Just a 20 second bridge between choruses, intended to be included in performances of the full Messiah, not performed on its own.
Dm
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
A brief tenor recitative, accompanied by harpsichord and strings. Movement 42 of Handel's Messiah, this functions as a short introduction to the tenor aria "Thou Shalt Break Them".
E
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
Fun calypso arrangement of the traditional folk hymn. Lively and entertaining, this song is perfect for children and choirs. Marimbas, flutes, steel drums, and guitars plus lots of island percussion.
C Bb D G
A soaring orchestral backing track for the Jewish favorite, Maoz Tzur (Rock of Ages). Triumphant, yet heartfelt, this song is perfect for Chanukah, or as a song of praise for Shabbat or the High Holidays. Can also be used as a Christian hymn about God's strength and salvation. See also, Rock of Ages, Cleft For Me.
B D F A
A bouncy, easy-going calypso version of the popular children's song Zacchaeus, easy for young children to sing along with. The song repeats twice with a short dance break between the two verses, for the kids to have fun!
G F D
