Welcome to the choirs space!
You’ve reserved your seat, it’s time to get to work. You will find here the information you need to learn more about the work.
Also think about planning your weekend, booking your visits or requesting accommodation.
We will sing Handel’s Messiah, in English.
Composed by Georg Friedrich Handel in 23 days, and nights – plagued by a creative fever after having been faced with paralysis of the right side that prevented him from writing, and created in Dublin in 1742 for Easter, this oratorio is now traditionally played during the period of Advent— preceding Christmas.
According to Handel’s wish, an orphanage, the Foundling Hospital received the proceeds from the performances. When he died, he left to this foundation the copyright to the oratorio.
Messiah is the last musical work that Handel attended.
Experienced singers or beginners, you are asked to know the score BEFORE the weekend. Learning requires a real investment, regardless of your level. Your involvement serves the quality of the concert of course, it is also a mark of respect towards the choristers near you.
You will need to get Handel’s Messiah Novello version in English. This very popular version is readily available in music bookstores.
NB: If you have another edition, be sure to note the numbers of the choruses, pages, and bars as they appear in the Novello version. There can be a change from one edition to another. Anticipating this saves time and helps concentration during rehearsals.
The choruses to be studied:
PART 1
N°4. And the glory of the Lord
N°7. And he shall purify
N°9. O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion
N°12. For unto us a child is born
N°17. Glory to God
N°21. His yoke is easy
PART 2
N°22.
N°24. Surely he hath borne our griefs
N°25. And with his stripes we are healed
N°26. All we like sheep have gone astray
N°28. He trusted in God
N°33. Lift up your heads, O ye gates
N°39. Their sound is gone out
N°41. Let us break their bonds asunder
N°44. Hallelujah
PART 3
N°46. Since by man came death
N°51. But thanks be to God
N°53 -Worthy is the lamb+AMEN-
Watch out there is a cut: we do not sing from the 3rd beat of bar 39 to 3rd beat of bar 53.
WORK YOUR PARTITION
With audio or video files:
+ online audios – Cyberbass (played voice, possibility of slowing down the tempo)
+ online videos – on Youtube
+ Learning CDs
for example the series Chorsingen leicht gemaght (SATB), Peters Music Partner edition (singing)
+ Work apps, our preferred is the CARUS MUSIC app for tablets and smartphones, which offers the possibility of slowing down the tempo.
Are you ready to sing without looking down at your score? You’re ready! Eyes only on Gildas, the boss (worth it, right?).
Practice together: nothing like it to test your mastery of the score.
We recommend that you practice with other choristers. Several options:
– organise practises together
– join an existing choir near you
Ask us to put you in touch with singers living near you via ticket registration form, contact us, or contact the Facebook group.
No rehearsals near you? It’s an occasion to come to Paris. Two practices are proposed in Paris, organised by Venite Cantemus.
– Thursday 14th October
– Monday 8th November
Are you part of a choir that practices? Great! Can you accommodate isolated choristers? You’re going to make some people happy, let them know.
HOW DO I ORGANIZE PRACTICE?
All you need is a place, a piano -and a pianist -, a choirmaster, and don’t forget a little word of warning for the neighbours, and get started! (link to more detailed advice?)
We suggest you use the Facebook group Venite Cantemus to make your initiatives visible.
Share your preparations on social networks, identify yourselves, use the #venitecantemus2021 or send us your photos and videos so we can share them.
La Girafe Lyrique
6, rue de Castellane
75008 Paris, France
La Girafe Lyrique
6, rue de Castellane
75008 Paris, France
