Thursday, December 18, 2008

At Least Once

At least once in your life you need to get a good recording of Handel's Messiah, listen all the way through it and then go back to the last two parts: Worthy is the Lamb followed by the Amen Chorus. Then, you need to be sure you're all alone, turn off the lights, stand in the middle of the room, close your eyes and really, really listen to the music. Let it wash over you. Take in the words and feel the music. Listen to the tenors soaring. Be amazed by how much musical complexity can be given to one word. You will get a glimpse into heaven. Tradition says that Handel had visions of angelic beings while he composed Messiah. I believe it. This music transcends the physical realm.



(53) Worthy is the Lamb
Revelation 5:12, 13

12. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13. . . . Blessing, and honour, glory and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. Amen.

Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Amen.

2 comments:

Sheila said...

This reading from Revelation was one of my readings for today. I find myself in tears, just imagining the scene. I'm sure the long years of having that music in my mind/heart contributed to it.

(I also remembered Uncle Bud making me learn the second violin part as a backup, and how I hoped and prayed Laura Davidson would never lose her voice, because I didn't want to do it....)

Lawrence Underwood said...

One of my favourite pieces of music.