Handel and Haydn Society's Captivating Performance of Handel's 'Messiah'
The Handel and Haydn Society presented a compelling rendition of Handel's renowned oratorio, 'Messiah,' conducted by Jonathan Cohen. The performance featured soprano Lauren Snouffer, mezzo-soprano Amery Amereau, tenor Ben Bliss, and debuting bass-baritone Nicholas Newton at Boston Symphony Hall during the Thanksgiving season.
'Messiah' is unique among oratorios due to its lack of named characters and its devotional narrative. The structure reflects the liturgical calendar, encompassing themes from Christ's birth to his resurrection. This production utilized a smaller orchestra of 28 musicians, reminiscent of the original premiere, although it may not fully align with Handel's envisioned scale.
Highlights included Bliss's captivating tenor in "Ev'ry valley shall be exalted," Amereau's expressive alto in "O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion," and Newton's dynamic presence in "The people that walked in darkness." The chorus excelled throughout, particularly in the poignant "All we like sheep have gone astray" and the celebratory "Hallelujah." Overall, the performance was a resounding success, earning enthusiastic acclaim from the audience.
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