Christmas music that doesn’t suck #8: Messiah
Probably the biggest classical hit of the season is the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. It is truly one of the most beloved choruses of all time. But it’s not a Christmas song. Actually, it’s about smiting sinners.
The Messiah is a massive work. Some of it (Part 1) is about Christmas. Some of it is not. The Hallelujah Chorus actually follows this little ditty for tenor:
“Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron;
Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”
Hallelujah!
You know what chorus from the Messiah is about Christmas? “For unto us a Child is born.”
Advertisement
