Lenten music is often considered dark, solemn and gloomy.  Why does it have such a negative impression?  Well – because it is dark, solemn and gloomy.  But these qualities are what make Lenten music unique and special.  These characteristics allow the music of Easter to be even more resplendent and celebratory – anticipating the risen Savior. 

      Think for a moment about the first beams of light shining through a dark storm cloud.  As black, thick clouds move off the coast and bright yellow sunbeams shine down upon the freshly watered, green grass (lets imagine summer for a moment) the world feels and smells clean and beautiful.  Music provides this same feeling of contrast between the dark and light through modes such as major or minor key signatures; major often showing clean colors while minor shares the darker emotions; music is able to communicate the intangible. 

      Handel’s most famous oratorio, “The Messiah,” contains the chorale, “The Hallelujah Chorus.”  Many churches and performing ensembles program this song as a part of their Christmas celebrations, recognizing the birth of the King.  However, Handel specifically wrote this beautiful celebratory song as an ending to the Easter section of his Sacred Opera.  The Christmas section ends with the jubilant song, “For Unto Us a Child is Born,” completing the prophecy and birth of Jesus.  An immediate change occurs in the music at this point, introducing darker, slower music echoing the suffering Jesus experienced leading up to his crucifixion.  “The Hallelujah Chorus” is a celebration of the second birth, or resurrection, or Jesus – Hallelujah – Christ is Risen!

      I would like to encourage you to take time to listen to the lesser-known Easter section of Handel’s Messiah and experience for yourself the huge range of emotions in Handel’s musical journey from expectation, to joy, to sorrow and finally – excitement.