This class will focus on exploring the rich symbolic and theological connections of Handel’s strategic use of the trumpet for dramatic effects within Messiah, illuminating affect and meaning within the choruses “Glory to God”, “Hallelujah Chorus”, “Worthy is the Lamb/Amen” and aria “The Trumpet Shall Sound”.
Handel’s dramatic oratorio Messiah is a time-honored tradition for performers and audiences alike. No matter how many times we have performed or heard the piece, there is always something new to learn or appreciate — probably why it has remained so popular. As a performer, exploring the symbolic connections of the trumpet in the context of the entire work is the secret for engaging with the piece and the audience in the most meaningful way possible. Continuing with the concepts of symbolism highlighted during June’s trumpet presentation “Sound an Alarm!”, through playing and/or singing examples from choruses with trumpet, in addition to the famous trumpet/bass aria, we will explore Handel’s sparse but highly intentional use of the trumpet in one of the most well-known pieces from the Baroque era. Even if you don’t play the trumpet, this is a chance to experience the trumpet parts on your own instrument/voice.
Level: open to all levels
Audience: trumpeters, singers, instrumentalists of any type will be welcome to play or sing along with examples; observers also welcome!
Pitch: A=415, in D; with exercises also provided at A=440
Format: Lecture / Demo / Play and Sing along
Materials: participants can find full scores at https://imslp.org/wiki/Messiah,_HWV_56_(Handel,_George_Frideric)
SFEMS nationally renowned series of summer workshops, first held in 1980, are now online while we remain socially distant.
Visit our website for all the offerings: www.sfems.org/workshops