Handel With Care: A Baroque Trivia Quiz

It’s a good thing that Peanut wasn’t G.F. Handel’s dog — he never would have put up for being ignored during that 3-week period when the master composed Messiah! Considering that the oratorio comprises almost 3 hours in its entirety, that is quite an accomplishment.  You can see that Mr. Peanut is ready for the holidays in this photo!  Here’s some interesting trivia about this beloved piece for your reading pleasure.

1.  Messiah is rich with vast effects derived from simple means,  along with beautiful melodies and the insistent rhythms that are characteristic of the Baroque era, easy to love and hard to forget.
2. The Music gains extraordinary intensity through the Baroque compositional technique of “word painting,” in which the flow of notes in the music actually seems to replicate a shape or contour that the words describe.

3. Papa Haydn, always generously praising the merits of other composers, called Handel “der Meister von uns allen,” or  “the master of us all” at a performance of Messiah. But Beethoven, who was far more grudging with his approval, used almost the same words—“der unerreichte Meister aller Meisters,” “the unequalled master of all masters.”

4. The association between diva soprano and the soprano solo role in Messiah extends more than a century earlier, back to the legendary Jenny Lind, who barnstormed the U.S. as a Barnum-sponsored headliner in the 1840s. On one of her transatlantic crossings, the Swedish Nightingale asked the ship’s captain to wake her before dawn, without specifying a reason for her request. At the appointed hour, she stood with him at the ship’s railing as the sun rose over the waters and sang “I Know My Redeemer Liveth.”

5.  Handel’s Messiah continues to exert a very real influence upon modern composers.  Leonard Bernstein’s Mass, composed in 1971, brings together music, dance and diverse religious and secular traditions in a way that owes much to Handel.  Andrew Lloyd Webber—like Handel, a master of theatrical craft in music—wrote a requiem mass as his only full- scale classical work. Paul McCartney, too, ventured into oratorio with his only classical work, The Liverpool Oratorio.

   This year will be the twelfth  annual performance of Messiah by the Long Beach Camerata Singers.  The chorus will be accompanied by Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra.

   Camerata sings Handel’s Messiah.  TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE $35/$45.  www.LBCamerata.org or call 310-686-5833.  Saturday, December 21 and Sunday December 22 , 4:30pm, Beverly O’Neill Theater, Long Beach, CA. Preconcert lecture beginning one hour before each performance, offered in both English and Spanish options.

“Word-Painting” and Handel’s Messiah

One of the most extraordinary aspects of Handel’s music is the use of “word-painting,”  the musical technique of composing music that reflects the literal meaning of a song’s lyrics. For example, ascending scales would accompany lyrics about going up; slow, dark music would accompany lyrics about death.

This technique is employed throughout Handel’s most famous work, “Messiah.”  Today we will examine the use of word painting in two  arias, “Ev’ry Valley,” for Tenor and “But Who May Abide” for Bass.

In the very first aria, or air, of the composition — “Every valley shall be exalted,”  Handel literally begins the work with powerful word painting.  Many a composer would be content with just composing a melody with half the beauty of Handel’s, but he went much further.  The text is: “Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill made low; the crooked straight and the rough places plain.”  When the tenor sings the word, “crooked,” Handel toggles between two notes; and with “straight,” he writes one long note. The effect wonderfully contrasts uneven with straight.

“But who may abide the day of his coming?” contains one of the most dramatic moments in the entire oratorio. The text from Malachi prophesizes about Judgment Day, asking “who may abide the day of his coming?” This Handel crafts into a mysterious, slow air. But at the text, “for he is like a refiner’s fire,” the music explodes into … well … a fiery exclamation. The acceleration and ferociousness captures perfectly the threat of hell and damnation.   The word “shake” uses a melisma that actually sounds like the singer is shaking.  And, if you listen really closely you can hear the violins play a run that is reminiscent of  the “flames” of the “refiner’s fire” licking at the singer’s feet!

These are just two examples of many in Handel’s Messiah that make it interesting, exciting and accessible.  This is why the work has endured since its first performance in 1742.  We hope you will join the Long Beach Camerata Singers in their performance of Handel’s Messiah at the Beverly O’Neill Theater in Long Beach on November 30 and December 1, 2018.  Click HERE to purchase tickets.

 

Homer (Simpson) Loves Handel

We all know that GF Handel is famous for his iconic chorus from the oratorio, Messish, the Hallelujah Chorus.  He’s so famous, it turns out, that even Homer Simpson likes his music.  This is evidenced by the fact that the Hallelujah Chorus has appeared in the soundtrack of The Simpsons not once, not twice, but FIVE times!

1.  “Bart Gets An F” (1990) —   Bart is about to flunk out of 4th grade.  A snowstorm saves him, to the accompaniment of the Hallelujah Chorus.  Other music in this episode:  Row, Row, Row Your Boat.
2. “There’s Something About Marrying” (2005) —  Bart becomes a minister to capitalize on the rash of weddings about to take place due to the legalization of gay marriage.  Other music in this episode:  Let’s Twist Again.
3. “Thank God It’s Doomsday” (2005) — Homer hears about the Rapture, and by using numerology to calculate when the Rapture is coming he learns that it is only one week away.  Other music in this episode:  The Flower Duet from Lakme.
4. “The Treehouse of Horror” (2017 — Maggie gets possessed by a demon; Lisa discovers a creepy/perfect version of her family in an alternative universe; Homer cannibalizes himself.  Other music in this episode:  On the Road Again.
5. “Singin’ in the Lane” (2017) — Homer gets his old bowling team back together and they wind up competing with arrogant millionaires.  Other music in this episode:  The Boys Are Back in Town.

Long Beach Camerata Singers will be performing Handel’s Messiah, including The Hallelujah Chorus, on November 30/Dec 1.  We hope you will join us.  Click HERE to buy tickets.

How GF Handel Made History Reusing Music

GF Handel, like most composers of his era, borrowed and recycled musical themes on a routine basis.  Today, we would consider the practice at best, distasteful, and at worst, plagiarism.  But in Handel’s time it was a sign of respect.

As we know, “Messiah” was composed in just 24 days.  Part of the reason Handel was able to accomplish this remarkable feat is that four of the major choruses in the oratorio were “repurposed” from earlier work that the composer had done.

In the beloved Chorus, “For Unto Us a Child Is Born,” Handel not only borrowed music from one of his earlier compositions, he pretty much lifted in intact and just set it right down in the middle of the Messiah score.  The original composition was a duet for 2 Sopranos, an allegro movement from HWV 189, a short cantata called “No, di voi non vo’ fidarmi” or “No, I do not want to trust you.”  This piece was composed in 1741, shortly before Handel began work on Messiah, but it harkens back to his Italian sojourn in the early eighteenth century, when these vocal miniatures established his reputation as an up-and-coming composer.  Click Here to listen to a performance of the duet, beautiful and a bit bizarre in its original incarnation.

Stranger still, Handel was not done borrowing from this particular cantata.  The final movement of the cantata is another allegro section and yes, you guessed it, was also reincarnated into the “Messiah” oratorio, this time morphing into “All We Like Sheep.”  Use the same link as above to listen, but advance to 3:35 seconds to hear the second allegro.

If borrowing twice is successful, why not do it again?  And again still? Source material for “His Yoke Is Easy” and “He Shall Purify” was supplied by Duetto XV, HWV 192, “Quel fior che all’alba ride” or “That flower that laughs at daybreak.”  Again, the borrowing is deep and extensive.    Listen Here to this beautiful music.

Regardless of how he got there, we can only be grateful that GF Handel composed this great, enduring piece of music.

Long Beach Camerata Singers will perform Handel’s Messiah with Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra on Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22 at 4:30pm.  Both performances will feature a pre-concert lecture one hour before the concert, offered in both Spanish and English.  The Beverly O’Neill Theater is the venue for these events.  On Saturday, a holiday sing-a-long will kick off the afternoon.  Tickets are $35 and $45.  Click HERE to visit our website to learn more and purchase tickets.

5 Big Reasons to Hear Camerata Perform Handel’s Messiah on Sunday!

Mr. Peanut is getting ready for the Holidays.  If you watched his Thanksgiving Message, you know he is expecting lots of goodies.  Today Peanut would like to recommend that you attend the upcoming performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Long Beach Camerata Singers — it’s a holiday tradition!  Here are 5 big reasons to attend this year’s show:

1.  Bring Family and Friends Together — In a world laden with consumer goods, why not invest in an afternoon with the people who are important in your life?  Put down the cell phone, step away from the computer and, yes, visit with people — in person!  You won’t regret it.
2. Build Traditions that Endure — It is important for both children and adults to have traditions in their lives, traditions that define the season and create memories; traditions that can be passed on to future generations.  Traditions loom large when we remember our childhoods.  If you don’t already have a holiday musical tradition, our concert is the perfect place to start.
3. The Beauty of the Music — There’s a reason why this piece of music has endured for almost 300 years — it’s unbelievably beautiful!  The compelling melodies, the dramatic arias and the powerful recitatives never fail to thrill.  You will be surprised at how much of the music is familiar to you — and don’t forget the Hallelujah Chorus.  Be prepared to stand for that one!
4. The Power of the Message — Regardless of your belief system, Messiah is filled with important reminders of our highest values.  Goodwill toward others, hope for a better life, comfort for those in distress:  these are the impulses that build our character.  It doesn’t matter if you attend church, or which denomination, if any, your subscribe to.
5. Get a Brain Massage — Give your poor, overworked brain a rest!  Allow the sounds of the chorus, soloists and orchestra to flow through you !  Close your eyes and float on the river of sound.  Your brain will be washed clean of electronic beeps, digital images and the cluttered detritus of our daily lives for this small piece of time.

This year will be the tenth annual performance of Messiah by the Long Beach Camerata Singers.  The chorus will be accompanied by Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra.

Camerata sings Handel’s Messiah.  TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE $30/$45.  www.LBCamerata.org or call 562-373-5654.  Sunday December 3, 4:30pm Beverly O’Neill  Theater

Five Big Reasons to Audition for Long Beach Camerata Singers

There have been hundreds of articles written about the benefits of singing, but today I want to give you 5 reasons why you should be singing with the Long Beach Camerata Singers.  We are the professional-quality choral ensemble serving Long Beach and its surrounding communities.

1.  Sing with Artistic Director Rob Istad — Rob’s reputation as a fantastic choral conductor is well established.  He is also an all-around nice guy, respectful of talent and hard working.
2. Be Part of Rob’s Last Season with Camerata — We have planned a fantastic season to celebrate Rob’s final year with us.  Our repertoire includes English choral music, Handel’s Messiah, a fun-filled Christmas concert, Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 and a toe-tapping Broadway extravaganza.
3. Perform in the Beverly O’Neill Theater — We are moving to the Beverly O’Neill Theater (formerly the Center Theater) in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center this year.  Improved acoustics and a professionally managed theater will make your performance experience very enjoyable.
4. Collaborate with Top Quality Musicians and Soloists —

   

   Sarah Goodwin channels Monica in “The Medium”

   Rob very carefully selects our soloists and accompanists.  For example, organist Christoph Bull will be part of our Downton Abbey concert.  Musica Angelica will provide our orchestra for the Monteverdi program.

5. Collaborate with other Arts Organizations — This year we will be singing with both the Long Beach Opera (The Perfect American, March 2017) and the Long Beach Symphony (Mozart’s Requiem, April, 2017).  This is your opportunity to be part of these fantastic performances.

In summary, we provide an excellent creative environment with unique performance opportunities.  Our professionally managed organization will make your singing experience worry free!

Auditions will be held Tuesday, August 9 and Wednesday August 10.

Use this link to sign up for auditions:  http://longbeachcameratasingers.org/lbcs/news/auditio/

Peanutsez “I Want to Go to Messiah, too!” Cast Your Vote Now!

Peanut is tired of being left out of all the fun of concert day.  He has to stay at home while Mom and Dad get to hear the Long Beach Camerata Singers perform another great concert.   Well, he has put his foot, er, paw, down and insists that he be allowed to attend Sunday’s Messiah concert.  “Wake up and smell the roses!” he says.  ” I have FANS and they want to see me.”

 

I told him that if he is going to come, he has to work, so he agreed to pose for this picture and ask you to buy your ticket to the concert as soon as possible!

Would you like to see Peanut at the cookie reception after the concert?  Please leave a like for this post to vote “YES!”

 

This year will be the ninth annual performance of Messiah by the Long Beach Camerata Singers.  The chorus will be accompanied by the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra.

Camerata sings Handel’s Messiah.  TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE $40.  www.LBCamerata.org or call 562-522-1045.  Sunday December 6, 4:30pm Long Beach City College Auditorium

5 Big Reasons to Attend Handel’s Messiah on Sunday!

Mr. Peanut is getting ready for the Holidays.  If you watched his Thanksgiving Message, you know he is expecting lots of goodies.  As you can see, he is visiting with all of his Peanuts friends   He hasn’t decided if he is going to share that football with Charlie Brown.  Today Peanut would like to recommend that you attend the upcoming performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Long Beach Camerata Singers — it’s a holiday tradition!  Here are 5 big reasons to attend this year’s show:

1.  Bring Family and Friends Together — In a world laden with consumer goods, why not invest in an afternoon with the people who are important in your life?  Put down the cell phone, step away from the computer and, yes, visit with people — in person!  You won’t regret it.
2. Build Traditions that Endure — It is important for both children and adults to have traditions in their lives, traditions that define the season and create memories; traditions that can be passed on to future generations.  Traditions loom large when we remember our childhoods.  If you don’t already have a holiday musical tradition, our concert is the perfect place to start.
3. The Beauty of the Music — There’s a reason why this piece of music has endured for almost 300 years — it’s unbelievably beautiful!  The compelling melodies, the dramatic arias and the powerful recitatives never fail to thrill.  You will be surprised at how much of the music is familiar to you — and don’t forget the Hallelujah Chorus.  Be prepared to stand for that one!
4. The Power of the Message — Regardless of your belief system, Messiah is filled with important reminders of our highest values.  Goodwill toward others, hope for a better life, comfort for those in distress:  these are the impulses that build our character.  It doesn’t matter if you attend church, or which denomination, if any, your subscribe to.
5. Get a Brain Massage — Give your poor, overworked brain a rest!  Allow the sounds of the chorus, soloists and orchestra to flow through you !  Close your eyes and float on the river of sound.  Your brain will be washed clean of electronic beeps, digital images and the cluttered detritus of our daily lives for this small piece of time.

This year will be the ninth annual performance of Messiah by the Long Beach Camerata Singers.  The chorus will be accompanied by the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra.

Camerata sings Handel’s Messiah.  TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE $40.  www.LBCamerata.org or call 562-522-1045.  Sunday December 6, 4:30pm Long Beach City College Auditorium

Happy Thanksgiving from Peanut!

Peanut would like to wish all his friends and family a Happy Thanksgiving!  Here is his 2015 Thanksgiving video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-r85iR9Wuc  

From “Georg” to “George”: How GF Handel Became an English Citizen

When Peanut takes a walk around the block, it’s a big journey.  Imagine the enormity of an early 18th Century German relocating to England — the language differences, the travel constraints, the cost, the questions of citizenship, and more.  That’s exactly what George Frederic Handel did in a process that stretched from his first visit in 1710 to his naturalization in 1727.

Handel’s relationship with Prince George, Elector of Hanover, who later became George I of England was a major factor in his decision.   Their association started in 1710 when Handel became kapellmeister to the Prince.  It is possible that Handel was a “scout” for the Elector during his 1710 visit, bringing back information to the future King.   However, during that first visit, Handel’s compositional skills caught the attention of Queen Anne, who granted him a pension of 200 pounds per year — for life.

In 1714 Queen Anne died and George I, Handel’s Hanover buddy, ascended the throne of England, establishing a new dynasty.  One of the new King’s first duties was to attend a service at the Chapel Royal, where a Te Deum composed by Handel was sung.  Our hero was quickly given musical duties with the court that included teaching master for the new princesses.  In 1719 George I chartered the Royal Academy of Music and appointed Handel as the “Master of Orchestras.”  Starting in 1715, Handel changed the spelling of his name from “Georg” to “George.” as he continued his assimilation into English society.

Until 1844 a foreign-born resident could only become a British citizen by means of an Act of Parliament.  This process was known as naturalization and required individuals to take the oaths of supremacy and allegiance.  From 1609 the individual concerned had to produce a certificate testifying that Holy Communion according to Anglican rites had been received.  On  February 13, 1727 a petition from Handel for naturalization was laid before the House of Lords.  The petition was successfully referred to a committee and the Bill by which he became a British citizen received royal assent from King George I a few days later.  The final Act was passed on February 20, 1727.  Ironically, King George died on June 11, 1727.

However, what started as an association with a fellow countryman, soon turned into  a much wider acceptance of Handel’s operas by the theater-going public.  More on that soon!

This year will be the ninth annual performance of Messiah by the Long Beach Camerata Singers.  The chorus will be accompanied by the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra.

Camerata sings Handel’s Messiah.  TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE $40.  www.LBCamerata.org or call 562-522-1045.  Sunday December 6, 4:30pm Long Beach City College Auditorium