CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) Imagine this scene: Dublin, Ireland, on the afternoon of April 13th, 1742. The concert was over, and the audience was asked to give a free-will offering after the performance. The money was taken down the street to debtors prison. The eight people held there were told that their accounts were settled, and they were free to go home to their families.
That was the premiere of The Messiah, by George Frederic Handel. It is the birth, and life, and passion of Jesus Christ set to music. Back then, it was thought of as an Easter piece. Now it is performed more often during Christmastime.
And from then to now, there is no other piece of art that has raised more money in the history of mankind. Performances of The Messiah have raised money to build cathedrals and hospitals, to fund schools and to staff orphanages. Even when it is presented today, the plate is passed and the offering goes to a local cause or charity.
In our area, The Messiah is being performed by the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra and the Wausau Lyric Choir next weekend, December 10th at Woodlands Church in Plover. It will also be heard at midnight on Christmas morning on WSAU.
I’m certainly no expert on classical music, but if you know your bible you’ll be able to follow it. And if you attend the performance, please offer the coins or bills that you may have. You’ll be part of an unbroken chain that goes back 271 years. Those who hear the good news proclaimed through The Messiah have, themselves, been moved to be the very hands of the Christ.
Chris Conley
Comments