But as a semi-professional singer who has been privileged to perform Handel's ''Messiah'' numerous times over my life, I can tell you that there is virtually no 'modern' or 'secular' musical composition that can compare with the beauty and majesty of this work, when it is performed by a group of musicians who are reaching for the best performance they can give. It is a challenging work for any level of choral group - but is well worth the work it takes to do it justice.
Another comparable piece that I have done is Vivaldi's ''Gloria''. This is another example of the wondrous music written in an earlier era which has survived and thrived to this day due to the high quality of the composition. The only modern composer that I can think of who might possibly reach the stature of these earlier composers would be John Rutter.
Coincidentally, all of these major composers have written the majority of their music with a Christian lyric - or maybe it is not coincidence; who knows? But the music itself is definitely something that should be included in every repertoire. It serves to teach all vocalists that good music is timeless, and is well worth the effort to perform it to the best of their ability. I congratulate any high school choir director who recognizes this fact - and have no doubt that their students are making great music.
Ruth