Seoul City Choir December 19 Year-End Concert... Handel Oratorio 'Messiah'

[Asia Economy Reporter Byunghee Park] The Seoul City Choir of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts will present the year-end concert, Handel's oratorio 'Messiah,' on December 19th at 5 p.m. in the Chamber Hall of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts.

Handel's 'Messiah' is one of the world's three great oratorios, along with Haydn's 'The Creation' and Mendelssohn's 'Elijah,' and is frequently performed at the end of the year. In particular, the final piece of the second part, 'Hallelujah,' is the most widely known and beloved song from Messiah among the public.

'Messiah,' the representative work of Handel's oratorios, is a masterpiece that Handel completed in a short period of 24 days in 1741 when he was 56 years old. Through this work, Handel firmly established his position as an oratorio composer. It is also said to be the last piece Handel performed in his lifetime.

'Messiah' was composed with brilliant and dramatic excellent techniques, confirming Handel's unique presence and expressing the essence of choral music well. It is the pinnacle of Baroque oratorios and a piece that showcases Handel's musical excellence.

The oratorio 'Messiah' is composed of three parts.

The first part has a bright and peaceful atmosphere, telling the story of the anticipation and birth of the Savior. It is based on prophecies about Christ (Messiah) from the Book of Isaiah. The second part heightens dramatic tension and is based on the gospel content about Christ's suffering, atonement, resurrection, ascension, and Christ himself. The third part depicts Christ's resurrection and eternal life in a solemn and quiet atmosphere.

'Messiah' consists of a total of 56 pieces, with lyrics borrowed from the Old and New Testaments. Each piece is centered on the choir and composed of four vocal solo arias.

Guest conductor Lee Choonghan will lead, with soprano Han Kyungseong, alto Bang Sinje, tenor Heo Namwon, and bass Kim Taeil performing, accompanied by Camerata Antiqua Seoul. Tickets can be purchased at Sejong Culture Ticket, Interpark Ticket, and other ticketing outlets.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.