George Frideric Handel: He Shall Feed His Flock Like a Shepherd

Messiah Part I

Context

George Frideric Handel’s Messiah has remained one of the composer’s most beloved works. Incredibly, Handel completed this 260-page oratorio in just 24 days during the summer of 1741. The scriptural text was compiled by Charles Jennens, with the source being the King James Bible. The first performance of Messiah was on 13th April 1742, to celebrate Easter. 

Initially the oratorio garnered a lukewarm reception from audiences, however the work began to gain popularity over some years, with it now being the go-to work to perform during the Easter period. During this new Messiah exploration on Classicalexburns, blogs will be posted regularly to cover all of the pieces involved in making up this much-loved oratorio. 

 

The Lyrics

He shall feed his flock like

A shepherd

And He shall gather

The lambs with his arm

With his arm

He shall feed his flock like

A shepherd

And He shall gather

The lambs with his arm

With his arm

And carry them in his bosom

And gently lead those

That are with young

And gently lead those

And gently lead those

That are with young

Come unto Him

All ye that labour

Come unto Him, ye

That are heavy laden

And He will give you rest

Come unto Him

All ye that labour

Come unto Him, ye

That are heavy laden

And He will give you rest

Take his yoke upon you

And learn of Him

For He is meek

And lowly of heart

And ye shall find rest

And ye shall find rest

Unto your souls

Take his yoke upon you

And learn of Him

For He is meek

And lowly of heart

And ye shall find rest

And ye shall find rest

Unto your souls

(Isaiah: 40:11 / Matthew 11:28-29)

 

The Music

Based on texts from both  the old and new  testaments, He Shall Feed His Flock like a Shepherd is sung by the alto soloist. Reminiscent of the Pifa, this solo is also set in a lulling 12/8 time signature. This aria can also be sung by the soprano if it is moved up to the key of Bb, and it has also been performed as a duet between the two voices. The alto version is perhaps the most popular, with the lower voice really bringing out the meaning of the text. Quiet in dynamic throughout, this penultimate Part I section ends peacefully.

 

Ⓒ Alex Burns

Happy Reading!

Image Source

 

You might also enjoy… Project Messiah

 

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