Nearly Half a Century for Minnesota Orchestra and Messiah

Posted at 2:03 PM on December 7, 2010 by Ward Jacobson (3 Comments)
Filed under: Events, Fun finds, Musician stories

For the 45th consecutive year, the Minnesota Orchestra presents Handel's oratorio, Messiah this week. Three performances are scheduled at Orchestra Hall (11am Wednesday, 8pm Friday and Saturday) and one performance at Cathedral of Saint Paul (7:30pm, Thursday). For the first time, Osmo Vanska will conduct the performances that also feature soloists and the Minnesota Chorale.

As always, Friday night's performance will be heard live on Classical MPR.

For me, there are several Messiah moments that I most look forward to (nothing gets the blood pumping like a rousing rendition of the bass air, "Why do the Nations Rage?").

So what about you?

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Comments (3)

Brian Newhouse informs me the Minnesota Orchestra (then the Minneapolis Symphony) presented Messiah in its very first season, 1903. They’ve done it virtually every year since, with only a brief interruption around the WWs.

Posted by Ward Jacobson | December 7, 2010 5:50 PM

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He looked for some to have pity on him. But there was no man, neither found he any to comfort him. Behold and see if there be any sorrow, like unto his sorrow.

Is there written a more heartachingly, plaintive, gorgeous tenor solo ( and question) ?

And the Amen. To me it is an epic answer to the questions posed in all the rest of the Messiah leading up to it. So be it. Simple--one word. Epic lyrically--for me, that's when i picture, or feel, the windows of heaven thrown open and God himself with eyes closed, smiling, head bowed, amazed by the gift he gave Handel.

Posted by judy | December 8, 2010 6:42 PM

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I love the chorus "And He shall purify the sons of Levi.." The priests of Israel always came from the tribe of Levi. Now...the priests could offer their offerings in righteousness!
BECAUSE HE CAME!! I also love the contrast of "Since by man came death..", musically and the truth of it. What an incredible work!
Our world is profoundly rich...because of the
gifts God gives.

Posted by Joan | December 9, 2010 9:27 AM

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