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
An orchestral "Fiddler On The Roof"-style arrangement of the traditional Jewish spiritual Let My People Go. About the Jewish people's freedom from slavery in Egypt, this song is commonly used during Passover seder, and commonly used as a metaphor for the enslavement and oppression of Africans in America.
Fm Am Dm Cm
Following Handel's original score, this is a complete orchestral recording of the Fifth movement from Messiah, Thus Saith the Lord -- an accompanied recitative for solo Bass vocal.
Dm
The eighth movement of Handel's Messiah, a very brief rubato recitative for alto soloist. Only six measures long, it begins in the key of D, but ends in A.
D
The ninth movement in Handel's Messiah begins with an alto aria, and ends with a triumphant SATB chorus. Together, they create a massive and grand piece of music. Smooth and flowing, this interpretation is inspired by the well-known London Symphony Orchestra recordings.
D
This long, slow, beautiful soprano aria begins the Third Part of Handel's Messiah. Very smooth and legato, this is a common solo for Easter. Tempos and direction are inspired by the well-known London Symphony Orchestra recordings. This is movement 45 of the Messiah.
E
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
This soprano recitative comprises movements 14 and 15 of Handel's Messiah. It tells of the angel of God appearing to the shepherds. Very slow and rubato, with timings carefully matched to the London Philharmonic Orchestra recording.
C
Movement 17 from Handel's Messiah, this is a joyous SATB chorus, complete with trumpets, woodwinds, strings, and harpsichord. The text of "peace on Earth, goodwill towards men" is perfect for Christmas. Orchestral direction reflects the London Philharmonic Orchestra recording. Includes mvmnt. 16 (an 8-measure soprano recitative) as an introduction.
D
This well-known soprano aria is movement 52 of the Messiah. Follows Handel's original orchestral score. A beautiful number for solo performance.
Gm
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 contemplative arrangement for Viola, Piano, and acoustic bass of the traditional high holy day song Kol Nidre. Instrumental intro, followed by one time through the song, and a tag instrumental ending. Kol Nidre means "All Vows" and is a flat statement that no promise of any kind will be kept for the coming year. Note, this arrangement is a shortened version of the full prayer, and is designed to allow for cantorial singing prior to chanting or speaking the full prayer -- an effective High Holiday congregational technique.
Abm Fm Cm
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
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
