We all get “earworms” from time to time. You know – those phrases of music that play themselves over and over in your head, on an endless loop. Today, mine is “And the Glory of the Lord”. It’s the 4th movement of Handel’s “Messiah”, arguably the best-known suite of choral music of all time. There are 53 movements in all, grouped into three Parts, and composed in just 24 days. That’s an astounding feat, even allowing for the recycling of some movements from Handel’s earlier compositions.
Part 1 recounts the story of the Messiah, from OT prophecies to NT nativity. Part 2 tells of Jesus’ ministry, passion, death, resurrection and ascension, ending with the famous “Hallelujah” chorus. Part 3 deals with judgement and redemption (using texts from the book of Revelation).
“Messiah” is usually performed in full around Easter, but any movements can be used at any time that seems appropriate (“He shall feed his flock” is often sung in St Margaret’s on ‘Good Shepherd’ Sunday). So why has movement (mvt) 4 lodged itself in my head today? Well, I shall be singing 8 choral and 3 recititive mvts in London in mid-February as part of a scratch choir, so our personal preparation begins now (mid-January at time of writing). Some of the music is new to me, but I’ve sung others before.
I first met “And the Glory of the Lord” getting on for 40 years ago, as a member of my high school choir. Around 40-50 students and staff gathered for weekly lunchtime rehearsals, under the direction of Mr Langley, the Head of Music. I clearly remember my English, physics, chemistry and German teachers taking part, and the head teacher too! I was also there with many life-long friends, with whom I have sadly fallen out of touch. As well as the SATB choir there was a madrigal group (also SATB), a full orchestra, chamber orchestra (strings only), string quartet, wind band, brass band, flute choir, and various other wind ensembles. There were concerts, shows and plays every term, and annual music, drama, sport and language exchange visits to our partner school in Germany to perform there. The friendships with the families we stayed with (and hosted) lasted for decades. I had no idea at the time that this was in any way unusual. It was just my local school. In fact, it was (and remains) the only secondary school in Portishead.
And that’s what music does. It’s a time machine that transports us to other times, people and places. In this case I have been to the 1980s, amongst long-forgotten peers and teachers, inside the music department of Gordano Comprehensive School, singing my heart out, having fun.
The text for this mvt is drawn from Isaiah 40:5
And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
There are many recordings of Messiah to choose from, but why not start here, so you can follow the text as you listen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4egNeuAf0Bg
Carol P
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 