Shedding More Light on ‘Messiah’

With seasonal productions of Handel’s “Messiah” under way, some background on the popular holiday classic is in order.

German-English composer George Frideric Handel shut himself away in August, 1741, and in a rush of inspiration, produced the score to his most famous oratorio, “Messiah,” in less than a month. Based on the biblical story of Christ, the work is widely performed each holiday season, with audiences traditionally rising to their feet upon the first strains of the “Hallelujah” chorus.

Some surmise that the recent practice of sing-alongs combined with the tradition of standing for the “Hallelujah” chorus contribute to the mass appeal of the work. But Paul Vorwerk, director of vocal ensembles at CalArts, said the popular audience participation portions of “Messiah” actually reject the intimate origins of the piece. And besides, Vorwerk said, the standing tradition is distracting.

“Most musicians find it silly as well,” he said. “Attention goes to standing and shuffling feet instead of to the music. It’s more irritating than anything.”

One story behind the tradition goes back to the days of King George I, Vorwerk said. Finding himself uncomfortable during the performance, the king rose to stretch his limbs. When the audience stood in deference to royalty, they accidentally began the tradition.

Another story gives more credit to the inspirational power of the “Hallelujah” chorus. This tale claims that the King was so moved by the music that he stood in admiration of the work--and inspired or not--the audience stood with him.

“Messiah” is an epic story in three parts told with more than 50 different arias, recitatives and solos. The first part tells of God’s promise to send a Messiah to redeem humankind; the second part, including the “Hallelujah” chorus, recounts the triumph of redemption, man’s rejection of the Messiah and the final victory of God over evil; the final part is a hymn of thanks for the defeat of death and promise of the afterlife.

“If you read the text without hearing the music, you might ask ‘Where is the story?’ ” Vorwerk said. “The story is really in the music.”

Many choirs present excerpts of Handel’s “Messiah” or perform only the “Hallelujah” chorus as part of holiday concerts. Below is a listing of local groups presenting complete or nearly complete productions:

Today, 8 p.m: San Gabriel Valley choir members with chamber orchestra led by guest conductor Paul McNeff at St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 15653 E. Newton St., San Gabriel. Soloists: sopranos Jennifer Roderer and Paula Swornay, contralto Donna Nesheim, tenor Keith Dillon, bass Don Anderson. Donation. Information: (818) 333-6656.

Today, 4 p.m.: First Presbyterian Church and the First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood choirs with chamber orchestra led by Timothy Howard of First Presbyterian at the Church, 5000 Colfax Ave., North Hollywood. $5 adults; children under 12 free. Information: (818) 766-8103.

Dec. 9, 8 p.m.: Southern California Mormon Choir with orchestra, directed by Brent Pierce at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Music Center, 135 N. Grand St. Soloists: soprano Young Mi Kim, mezzo-soprano Marvellee Cariaga, tenor Carroll Freeman and baritone Peter Van Derick. $8-$35. Information: (213) 972-7211.

Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m.: Redlands Symphony sing-along “Messiah” conducted by Jon Robertson in the University of Redlands Memorial Chapel. Soloists: soprano Nancy Moyer Wilson, mezzo Janet Smith, tenor Bruce McClurg and bass Don Christensen. $4-$8 for subscribers; $5-$10 for the public. Information: (714) 335-4046.

Dec. 10-11: L.A. Master Chorale and Sinfonia Orchestra directed by Robert Wagner in a sing-along “Messiah” at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Soloists: soprano Susan Montgomery, alto Kyra Humphrey, tenor Agostino Castagnola and bass Peter Van Derick. 7 p.m. Sunday; 8 p.m. Monday. $12-$15. Information: (213) 972-7211.

Dec. 17, 3 p.m.: Valley Master Chorale at Northridge with orchestra in sing-along “Messiah” at Burroughs High School Auditorium, 1920 Clark Ave., Burbank. Soloists: soprano Robin Parkin, mezzo-soprano Debbie Cree, tenor William Smith and bass Ray McLeod. $10 adults; $7.50 for students, seniors and children under 12. Information: (818) 789 1335.

Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.: Pacific Chorale and orchestra in sing-along “Messiah” at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Soloists: soprano Anne-Marie Bosche, mezzo Debbie Cree, bass Donald Christensen, tenor Dale Tracy. $10. Information: (714) 542-1790.

Dec. 23, 3:30 p.m.: Pacific Symphony Orchestra with the Pacific Chorale at the Orange County Center for the Performing Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Soloists: soprano Lyne Fortin, mezzo Bernice Brightbill, tenor Dennis McNeil, bass Stephan Bryant conducted by Vakhtang Jordania. $9-$24. Information: (714) 973-1300.

DANCE OUTREACH: The San Francisco Ballet has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Pacific Telesis Foundation to help expand educational programs and community outreach using performances of the “Nutcracker” during the 1990 season. The money is slotted to help the ballet reach underserved communities, particularly children and hospitalized adults and children. The award is the largest single-year grant ever received by the ballet for a specific program.