Messiah: The Christmas Chorus Edition

SKU: CA.3103605

ISBN 9790007172275. Language: German/English. Translation: Henry Drinker.

Bach's well-known church cantata Schwingt freudig euch empor BWV 36 (Up joyous raise your song), first heard in its final version on First Advent Sunday in 1731 at the Leipzig Nikolaikirche, can be traced back to a secular birthday cantata from 1725. The text is now revised to render the events of Advent - the rejoicing of the opening chorus, the loving veneration and the warm-hearted welcome of the three solo arias retained from the original cantata now all apply to the Messiah, who, as once in Jerusalem, should find a place in the hearts of the faithful. However, their unmistakeable Advent character derives from the fact that Bach contrasts the four festive settings from the secular cantata with three strophes from Luther's Advent chorale, Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, thus at the same time giving a voice to the Mystery of God made man. Score available separately - see item CA.3103600.

SKU: GI.G-8618

UPC: 785147861805. English. Text Source: Revelation 19:6, 11:15, 19:16. Scripture: Revelation 11:15, Revelation 19:6, 16.

The “Hallelujah” chorus is the final movement of part two of Handel’s Messiah, the part that comments on Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The text of the chorus, assembled from Biblical passages by the oratorio’s librettist, Charles Jennens, is from Revelation 19:6, 11:15, and 19:16: “Hallelujah, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever. KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” This edition has been prepared from the first published score in 1767, with comparisons to Handel’s autograph manuscript now housed in the British Museum. The text has been reproduced here without alterations. However, the beamings of the vocal parts have been modernized for ease of reading (the original material has flags instead of beams for every separate syllable). The piano accompaniment is a reduction of the orchestral material: the first and second violin parts are represented in the upper staff, with only occasional inclusion of the viola, trumpet, and timpani parts, the basso continuo, in its original form, is in the bottom staff. The GIA Historical Music Series edited by Dennis Shrock, presents repertoire suitable for performance by public school, college and university, church, and community ensembles, with the purpose of making available to today’s conductors lesser-known and previously difficult-to-procure historical masterpieces. The music, drawn from the Renaissance through the Romantic eras, is in performance editions based on the most current and rigorous scholarly research. The musical scores reflect original intent of notation, with all editorial markings and emendations clearly identified as such. In addition, preface material accompanying the music contains literal translations of foreign language texts and information regarding the lives of the composers, genres, and relevant performance practices. Dennis Shrock is Director of Choral Activities at Texas Christian University. He has been called one of the top choral scholars in the United States and has received a number of awards for his work. He received a bachelor's degree in music education from Westminster Choir College and both master's and doctoral degrees in choral conducting from Indiana University.

SKU: CA.3103603

ISBN 9790007171605. Language: German/English. Translation: Henry Drinker.

Bach's well-known church cantata Schwingt freudig euch empor BWV 36 (Up joyous raise your song), first heard in its final version on First Advent Sunday in 1731 at the Leipzig Nikolaikirche, can be traced back to a secular birthday cantata from 1725. The text is now revised to render the events of Advent - the rejoicing of the opening chorus, the loving veneration and the warm-hearted welcome of the three solo arias retained from the original cantata now all apply to the Messiah, who, as once in Jerusalem, should find a place in the hearts of the faithful. However, their unmistakeable Advent character derives from the fact that Bach contrasts the four festive settings from the secular cantata with three strophes from Luther's Advent chorale, Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, thus at the same time giving a voice to the Mystery of God made man. Score available separately - see item CA.3103600.