Hey Kids, Meet Handel
George Frideric Handel (1685-1750) German Baroque Era Composer
1) Handel originally composed the Hallelujah Chorus for a chamber ensemble even though it is often performed by a very large group of musicians. Which performance do you prefer? Explain why? (A chamber ensemble is a small orchestra which can easily perform in smaller rooms like a palace chamber.)
Hallelujah Chorus from "The Messiah" by Trinity Church Choir with the REBEL Baroque Orchestra (New York)
Hallelujah Chorus from "The Messiah" by Saint Severin Choir at Church Saint Jean-Baptiste de Grenelle (Paris)
2) Writing music that effectively expresses and enhances the text (lyrics) is an important part of what a composer does. Describe the character of the text and then describe the character of the music. Does the music express and/or enhance the text? Explain why? (Handel's Hallelujah Chorus might best be described as joyful and regal.)
For the lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
The kingdom of this world;
Is become
The kingdom of our Lord,
And of His Christ.
And of His Christ.
And He shall reign forever and ever.
And he shall reign forever and ever.
And he shall reign forever and ever.
And he shall reign forever and ever.
King of kings forever and ever, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
And Lord of lords forever and ever Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
King of kings forever and ever, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
And Lord of lords forever and ever Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
King of kings forever and ever, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
And Lord of lords,
King of kings and Lord of lords.
And he shall reign,
And he shall reign,
And he shall reign,
He shall reign,
And he shall reign forever and ever.
King of kings, forever and ever,
And Lord of lords, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
And he shall reign forever and ever.
King of kings and lord of lords.
King of kings and Lord of lords.
And he shall reign forever and ever.
Forever and ever, and ever, and ever.
King of kings and Lord of lords.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah Chorus Easy Piano Sheet Music/Level 3
Theme from Water Music Easy Piano Sheet Music/Level 3
Water Music Easy Guitar Sheet Music
George Frideric Handel Word Search
Meet the Composer Job Application Worksheet