COMFORTING LYRICS OF HANDEL’S MESSIAH

Last evening Christine and I attended the Bell Centre performance of Handel's Messiah with the Surrey City Orchestra and the Vancouver Bach Choir and select soloists. No doubt you are very familiar with this oratorio. The oratorio is a marvel when I think that George Frederik Handel accomplished this 53 movement, 3-Part masterpiece, musical score and theological assembly of scriptural themes in about a month. For believers the sound of the words unites us immediately to the heart of God and the history of his dealings with humanity through all of the Old and New Testament times. And now in our time, His word has not changed. Part Three is shortest, the finale and I have placed here the movement numbers and titles and the scripture used because as I listened last night my heart was so gladdened, so uplifted, so confident that my Saviour lives. I know these recitations will lean so much to you too. 

45. I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day
upon the earth. And though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall
I see God. (Job 19:25-26) - For now is Christ risen from the dead, the first fruits of them that sleep. (I Corinthians 15:20)

Is Our Society Ready to Castrate Boys So They Sing High?

Handel's Messiah. What possible connection can there be with castration?  Christine and I will attend a performance of Handel's Messiah oratorio tonight. This event prompts a personal observation that the composition never intended. I will pave the way a bit. The oratorio contains three Parts, 16 Scenes and 53 movements in which are numerous solo pieces for soprano, alto/contralto, tenor and bass voices. In 1741 when Handel first presented his Messiah oratorio in Dublin, the women soloists were soprano Christina Maria Avoglio and Susannah Cibber, an established stage actress and contralto. The female roles and the date are important to note. 

Tonight the alto (contralto) sections will be sung by a male counter-tenor. Alto is customarily a female vocal range. Counter-tenor is a male voice that naturally and through training is the equivalent of soprano, mezzo-soprano or contralto. It's a unique and somewhat remarkable sound. 

There is a stunning back-story to a high-pitched male voice. Centuries ago, boys were castrated so they could sing the high notes that some counter tenors can reach.