The Masterpiece That Saved Handel from 'Right-Hand Paralysis'... Returns as 'Midsummer Messiah' with Stunning Harmony

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The excitement of the audience facing the stage stirs with a desire to escape the harsh reality and indulge in fantasies. Baroque-era operas had the duty to present narratives of adventure and love to noble patrons and middle-class audiences. Handel, a young German musician, actively showcased Italian operas in London, England, becoming a prominent creator in the contemporary performing arts scene. Over more than 30 years, he staged over 40 operas, gaining wealth and fame, but at age 52, he faced a life crisis due to paralysis in his right hand. Just as his works seemed to be declining, he made a comeback by presenting a new work?an oratorio in theatrical form?with lyrics in English instead of Italian. That work was "Messiah."

Typically a beloved performance during Christmas, "Messiah" is coming to audiences in the midsummer heat. The Seoul Metropolitan Chorus chose the unexpected "Messiah" for this summer’s repertoire. The striking poster featuring Handel holding a watermelon immediately catches the eye. Jinah Heo, a soprano and member of the Seoul Metropolitan Chorus selected as a soloist for the Messiah stage, said in an interview with Asia Economy on the 2nd, "I understand that Handel composed Messiah during the summer. Although Messiah is usually performed around Christmas, if you look at the content, it actually fits Easter better, so I hope audiences enjoy the deep musicality of the work regardless of the season."

Although inspired by the Bible, Messiah was not intended for church performances but was a popular work written for Baroque-era theaters. Soprano Heo explained, "The origin of the oratorio comes from 16th-century Roman monastery Bible reading sessions, but later it developed into a dramatic genre performed as a choral play without acting, stage props, or costumes. Nowadays, it is often staged with direction and acting, so I hope audiences pay attention to that."

This Messiah performance features a countertenor on stage. Before the Baroque era, women were not allowed on stage, so boy sopranos took female vocal parts. To prevent voice changes after puberty, some were castrated and called castrati, a fact widely known through films like "Farinelli." Later, castration was discontinued, and instead, countertenors who study falsetto and vocal techniques to sing female vocal ranges took over this role.

Minho Jung, a countertenor active in Europe and Korea, said, "I majored in vocal music at university, but after suffering from laryngitis and completing a master's in choral conducting, I became interested in early music through a Baroque specialized choir and challenged myself again as a countertenor." He added, "I am very excited to see how this Messiah stage will be newly arranged under the baton of Director Jongwon Park, a renowned choral conducting expert, and how the audience will perceive it."

This performance will present the entire piece, originally 2 hours and 40 minutes, shortened to 2 hours in concert form. The ensemble is also arranged to fit the Baroque style. Soprano Heo said, "Oratorios in the Baroque era were rarely performed in large theaters, so the current ensemble might feel expanded. Since this time we are collaborating with Camerata Antiqua Seoul, the ensemble is smaller, and considering the small size of Baroque-era stage choirs, I think the 39 members of the Seoul Metropolitan Chorus on stage fit the original intention."

Regarding the inconvenience of performing with masks and replacing stages with online video performances due to COVID-19, countertenor Park said, "Just being able to face an audience applauding after the stage doors open was moving. Wearing masks during rehearsals is uncomfortable, but if we can feel a connection with the audience who came to enjoy the stage, it is something we must endure." Soprano Heo also shared, "When we held regular performances wearing masks, it was tough due to lack of oxygen and the mask sticking to the face, so we had to take it off occasionally. We are still rehearsing with masks now, but we take sufficient breaks and are all working hard to present a better stage."

As a famous repertoire, Messiah has many loyal fans. Countertenor Park emphasized, "Many people bring their scores to listen to Messiah, so I actually get more nervous on stage. Modern music can get tiresome after three listens, but Messiah is music over 300 years old, and every moment is moving with a unique sophistication."

Both artists cited the charm of choral singing as the need to humble oneself and listen to others’ voices to create beautiful sound. Countertenor Park said, "I mainly perform Baroque music, and every time I perform with domestic choirs, I am amazed by the beauty of the sound we create together. Especially in this performance, the 'Hallelujah' will be a sing-along with the audience, so I hope everyone fully enjoys the process of creating the work together with the performers on stage." Soprano Heo added, "If the unique vocal textures and characters of each choir member blend with the audience’s voices, I expect the performance will be completed as a thrilling and moving moment."

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