George Frideric Handel: Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion
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
Rejoice
Rejoice
Rejoice Greatly
Rejoice o daughter of Zion
O daughter of Zion, Rejoice
Rejoice
Rejoice
O daughter of Zion, rejoice greatly
Shout! O daughter of Jerusalem
Behold, thy king cometh unto thee
Behold thy king cometh unto thee, cometh unto thee
He is the righteous saviour
And he shall speak peace unto the heathen
He shall speak peace
He shall speak peace
Peace, He shall speak peace unto the heathen
He is the righteous saviour
And he shall speak, He shall speak peace
Peace.
He shall speak peace, unto the heathen
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice greatly
Rejoice greatly.
O daughter of Zion
Shout! O daughter of Jerusalem
Behold thy King cometh unto thee
Rejoice
Rejoice
And shout, shout, shout, shout
Rejoice greatly
Rejoice greatly o daughter of Zion
Shout! O daughter of Jerusalem
Behold thy king cometh unto thee
Behold thy King cometh unto thee
(Zechariah 9:9-10)
The Music
This joyful aria sees the soprano express great joy as she reiterates the word ‘Rejoice!’. Set in 12/8 time, the quick string accompaniment leaves room for the voice to shine through with bundles of coloraturas. As the aria goes on, the voice becomes more and more decorated. Handel places elongated coloraturas on the word ‘Rejoice’ to further emphasise the feelings of joy and happiness.
The minor-key central section takes a very different route to the opening. Now slower in tempo, the more melancholy atmosphere goes hand in hand with the vocalist singing about peace.
The opening excitement returns, with new variations of the main theme heard from the soloist first and then copied by the orchestra. Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion concludes with an orchestral interlude.
Ⓒ Alex Burns
Happy Reading!
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