Handel's Glorious Language of Song

"It is evident that music has to be recognized as an element of socialization. As an agent of social development in the highest sense, because it transmits the highest social values, such as solidarity, harmony, mutual compassion and it has the ability to unite and entire community and express sublime feelings." 

(Documentary Tocar y Luchar)

These lines of text from the documentary Tocar y Luchar are just a taste of the depth of analysis one could write on the sublime significance of music in each human life. Being a classically trained pianist I was not only thrilled by the potential of these musical programs in this film but I immediately thought of the many artists in history who have labored in music’s name, and whose works have lifed on for several centuries as a living testament to its’ greatness. One such example is the genius of Handel’s Messiah.

(Trailer from the documentary Tocar y Luchar)

The creation of this oratorio was composed after a stroke which left him with partial paralysis and then unpopularity among audiences with his most recent work. These setbacks led him to assume that he was nearing the end of his career. However, a friend lent him a manuscript containing many scriptural citations that leapt into his depressed soul filling it with renewed life and purpose. Handel composed the Messiah in just three weeks.

This oratorio is one of the most well-known musical works ever composed and its’ creation consisted of solidarity within Handel’s own personal suffering and then to absolute composing, harmony with himself and God, compassion towards the listeners (where he donated all proceedings to the incarcerated and poor) overcoming his desires for wealth and popularity, and to this day, over three hundred years later, he has united countries, continents, and communities with the majesty of this piece of music.

(Excerpt from Handel's Messiah, Hallelujah Chorus)

There are hardly any Christmas’s remembered without one hearing an excerpt from this work, where community productions have been produced with orchestras and choirs and even the audience at times in participation, creating the highest sense of unity within a community.

Music speaks to the souls of the audience what words cannot, a language which elevates each individual to pursue the highest potential in one’s life; to live with compassion and in harmony with your fellow man and uniting in the this unspoken language of music.