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General discussion

Would you believe the Hallelujah Chorus at a public school?

Dec 17, 2003 6:38AM PST

I attended the Christmas concert at my daughter's high school last night. I was astounded to hear traditional carols including the Hallelujah Chorus for which the audience joined in. It seems these kids are being taught the history behind our celebrations. It was great!

BTW, the choral director uses this music because of its high musical qualities. I guess he doesn't think Jingle Bells qualifies.

Discussion is locked

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Re:Would you believe the Hallelujah Chorus at a public school?
Dec 17, 2003 7:14AM PST

Sure, it takes all kinds of PUBLIC educational facilities to keep everyone happy.

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Not sure what your problem is with this.........
Dec 17, 2003 10:58AM PST

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

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Correct me if i'm wrong , Kid
Dec 17, 2003 11:42PM PST

Hi Ruth,
I think his astonishment was over the fact that the school hasn't bowed to the current pressure to remove any remotely religious reference from Holiday concerts. Truly a shame as some of the most stirring music is eliminated. Nothing beats a good high school choir - especially if you have childen involved.

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Re:Correct me if i'm wrong , Kid-my post was to T Lee
Dec 18, 2003 12:31AM PST

I understand perfectly Kiddpeat's astonishment; my reply was to the rather sarcastic (as I saw it) post by T Lee. I agree totally with your viewpoint on the nonuse of good music in high school simply due to its Christian lyric.

Ruth Happy

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Sorry Ruth
Dec 18, 2003 12:59AM PST

I have my "message read" color set to a light gray and the morning fog in my brain didn't pick it up. Happy

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Re:Re:Correct me if i'm wrong , Kid-my post was to T Lee
Dec 18, 2003 5:24PM PST

Ruth,

Look at it this way. Yes, my post was rather tart. But, it elicited your informative reply on music, did it not?

I agree with Patrik's thoughts to a point.

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Re:a modern ''composer'' you might check out is nigel westlake
Dec 18, 2003 12:24AM PST

he wrote an amazing soundtrack to a film called "The Edge"

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Not sure what your problem is with this.........
Dec 18, 2003 7:40AM PST

while you are at it lest's not forget the XII Mass by Mozart.

another fine example of good Christmas Music.

david