There are several theories regarding why audiences stand for the famous "Hallelujah" chorus during Messiah, but no matter the reason, it is a tradition that never fails to impress, especially when the crowd is as large as that which nearly filled Clowes Memorial Hall this past Saturday evening.
That's when the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir teamed up with an ensemble of musicians from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, both masterfully conducted by ISC artistic director, Eric Stark, to perform George Frideric Handel's renowned oratorio. The concert, in celebration of the Christmas season, also featured exceptional soloists including: baritone Randal Turner, soprano Christina Pier, mezzo soprano Laura Thoreson and tenor Asitha Tennekoon.
Divided into three parts, Messiah covers the coming of Christ, his birth, miracles, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension and the End Times. Although Messiah focuses on The New Testament account of Christ’s life, the majority of the text is drawn from the Old Testament. Premiering in 1742, Messiah was first presented as secular theatre but has since been performed in churches and concert halls.
There is no greater pleasure than to hear the ISC, a highly professional group with an exceptional balance and blend, comprised of talented vocal artists with exquisite voices and impeccable articulation. Enhancing the virtuosity of the choir were the accomplished musicians of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra who more than complimented the Choir with their superb musicality.
In a work that is meant to inspire the faithful, the section of the Messiah that is most well known and always highly anticipated during each performance is, of course, the “Hallelujah” chorus. As musically interpreted by the choir and orchestra in this presentation, the iconic passage, “The kingdom of this world has become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever,” did not disappoint and was well worth standing for.
As noted previously, the four soloists chosen to perform in this concert were all first-rate and well suited to this music. Of all the special moments (and there were many) provided by each singer, there was one that stood out. With his deeply rich and imposing voice, Turner was commanding when he sang the familiar, “The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
For more information about the remainder of the 2010-11 Indianapolis Symphonic Choir season go online to www.indychoir.org or call 317.940.9057. For information about the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, visit www.indianapolissymphony.org or call 317.639.4300.
