Messiah. The Word Became Music

When we were thinking about summarizing the masterpiece Messiah by Georg Friedrich Händel in one sentence, paraphrasing an evangelical phrase often quoted during Christmas came to mind. The essence of tonight's performance will be the word that became music. It is not an opera, though full of emotions. It is not a liturgy, though, based on biblical texts. It is not a concert "in honor of" – but a moving story about the light born at the darkest point of the year.

Händel created an oratorio unlike any other. It all began in 1741 when the composer – disheartened, struggling with illness and an unkind public – wrote the work in just 24 days to redefine his music and ensure his immortality.

The first movement of the oratorio speaks of hope. However, it is not a typical Christmas idyll. We will hear the words of the prophets announcing the coming of the Messiah – the Child who will change the world. From the darkness emerges the light. The people who walked in darkness saw a great light, and the tenor sang in the first minutes of the oratorio. The music in this section is clear and joyful but full of seriousness. It is not triumph – it is focus and anticipation before the birth. The finale of this part is the famous For unto us a Child is born, where Handel combines the joy of a child with royal power.

The second movement is a journey through suffering – but shown in a completely different way than in the passions. It is not a story of Christ's Passion but a reflection on rejection, sacrifice, and redemption. The choir All we like sheep have gone astray sounds almost light before transitioning into the chill of seriousness. The central point of this part is the aria He was despised – an alto aria about loneliness and disdain. Then comes Hallelujah, the most famous fragment of the work, performed thousands of times, one of the most famous musical pieces in the history of humanity.

The third movement is a musical elevation. The soprano sings I know that my Redeemer liveth. Hope becomes a reality. In the finale, the choir sings Worthy is the Lamb and the great Amen, like a light that does not fade but stays in memory forever.

In December, when the days are shortest and thoughts longest, Messiah reminds us that the light comes slowly but inevitably. Because in this work, the word truly became music, and that's why it sounds different. Stronger, truer, striking straight to the heart. We wish you light, emotion, and truth for Christmas – just like the music brings.