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 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
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 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 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
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
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 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 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
A common hymn during Lent about dedication to the cross. This relaxed acoustic arrangement includes piano, guitar, bass, and drums. Perfect for Ash Wednesday.
D Bb F
A contemporary arrangement of this Easter hymn, featuring guitars, organ, piano, bass, and drums. Direct, easy-to-understand lyrics and an easy melody to sing make this a great choice for a large Easter service.
D A F
An new classical arrangement of this quiet hymn of prayer, featuring piano, acoustic guitar, strings, and horns. The lyrics clearly show the connection between what God does for us and our own service in the world, which makes it a perfect song for themes of responsibility or service.
G E Bb
A tender, traditional version of the classic carol with a medieval ambience. Features acoustic guitar, recorder, flutes, solo cello, harp, and bass.
Em Gm Dbm
A mellow and simple, yet moving arrangement of the classic hymn, This Is My Father's world. Perfect for soloists and congregational singing. Original text by Maltbie D Babcock and tune by Franklin L Shephard, published in 1901. Three verses, with a key change - up one whole step - for the third verse.
C D F
