Gr5 Theory Set work - Messiah Lesson 1

Gr 5 Theory Set work: Messiah HWV 56; Lesson 1

"Comfort ye, my people" & "Ev'ry valley shall be exalted"

Background

• composer: German born George Frideric Handel (1685-1757)

• composed: 1741

• librettist: Charles Jennens (also Saul, L'Allegro, Il Pensoroso ed il Moderato)

• libretto: King James Bible and Psalms from the Book of Common Prayer

• premiered in Dublin at a charity concert during the Easter season April 13 1742

• London premiere March 23 1743

3-part Structure

• Part I: largely Book of Isiah centred on prophesies about Messiah

• Part II: crucifixion

• Part III: reflection on resurrection themes of salvation and redemption

Scoring

• 5 vocal soloists: soprano; alto x 2; tenor, bass

• 5 part chorus: soprano I & II; alto, tenor bass

• Wind: 2 oboes, 2 bassons

• Brass: 2 trumpets

• Strings: Vln I & II, viola

• Continuo: cello, violone (dble bass), harpsichord/organ

Multiple Select

G. F. Handel

• was born in 1685

• was the librettist of Messiah

• completed Messiah in 1741

• was an English composer

Multiple Select

Charles Jennens

• was the composer of Messiah

• was the librettist of Messiah

• used texts from English Standard Version Bible

• used texts from The Book of Common Prayer

• used texts from King James Bible

Multiple Choice

Select the dates for Messiah premiere in Dublin and London

• March 27, 1745 & April 4, 1746

• April 13, 1742 & March 23, 1743

Multiple Choice

How many solo altos are there in Messiah

• 1

• 2

• 3

Multiple Choice

How many soprano parts are in the chorus of Messiah

• 2

• 3

• 4

Multiple Choice

Select the correct woodwind scoring for Messiah

• flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon

• 2 flutes, 2 oboes, bassoon

• 2 oboes, 2 bassoons

Multiple Choice

How many parts are there in Messiah

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Multiple Choice

Part II is about

• resurrection

• prophesies

• crucifixion

Multiple Choice

Part I is about

• resurrection

• prophesies

• crucifixion