Handel’s Messiah. Hope during Covid
While Christmas may look and feel a bit different this year
thanks to Covid, we cannot let the pandemic totally control our responses,
emotions and thoughts.
There are still things that can be done—differently,
perhaps—but still adhering to your “normal” Christmas traditions. Various sites
exist to show how you can have meaningful family times at Christmas, even if
that means more online presence than physical.
We see a surge in awareness of the need to shop local rather
than with massive online retailers or in the giant international big box
outlets.
One of the great traditions in our household is our annual
attendance at a performance of the great musical masterpiece, Messiah.
Composed in only 24 days by George Frederick Handel, the piece has morphed from
a Lenten composition as he intended, into a Christmas favourite around the
world. Orchestras and choirs present the full piece to millions from Beijing to
Barcelona, Dublin to Detroit. London to Lima and from Toronto to Tokyo. The
resounding and inspiring Hallelujah Chorus is a Christmas staple as is the
chorus “For unto us”. And Christmas for many will be diminished without that
concert attendance.
I confess I love and admire this oratorio. A lot. But I had
no idea for many, many years about the incredible back story behind Handel’s
writing this music.
It’s a story totally suited for these pandemic times because
it provides hope in the midst of despair. Handel was broke. He was facing
debtors’ prison. He was surrounded by cultural and political enemies at the
highest societal levels. He had physical illnesses and depression weighing him
down. As an immigrant, he was now hounded by xenophobic ‘patriots’ who wanted
Britain rid of the European influence that was Handel.
The story of his struggle to present his new work to audiences
was exacerbated by the fact that his favourite lead singer—one of the top
celebrities of her day—was just emerging from a particularly sordid and very
public sex scandal. To consider having her “star” in what was essentially a
religious oratorio raised hackles amongst the leading churchmen of the day.
That back story fired my imagination. I relate all of this
in my book Musick for the King, a novel based upon the historical events
that brought Messiah first to Dublin then to London and now the world.
The book was published earlier this year in the midst of the
pandemic. It meant the normal book launch activities—launch party, book
signings, book fairs—were literally out the window. More, I, along with many others, had no idea that
the pandemic would last as long and have as many ramifications some nine months
in. And the end is not yet fully insight. In fact the short term outlook is
depressing.
But as Handel found ways to overcome the obstacles in his
path, I consider that it serves as a model for how we too can deal with
restrictions, obstacles and negativity and turn them into triumph. What those
triumphs are will depend upon you and your individual or family circumstances.
But triumph you will!
I cannot go to Roy Thomson Hall this year for the TSO’s
presentation. There isn’t one! So we will enjoy a video version instead.
Hopefully, our close friends who always attend with us will be able to join us
for dinner and Messiah, even if it is in our living room. (Since we do
not live in a lockdown area and are allowed a small gathering that’s our plan
unless restriction change again).
Of course, it won’t be the same! But as Handel showed, we can
overcome even the greatest challenges and threats. It will get better. This too
shall pass.
Whether it is something as simple and relatively petty as a
concert, or something as impactful as not having large family get-togethers and
Christmas parties with friends and colleagues. We will overcome. It will get
better. This too shall pass.
It needs a humble but determined approach. Simple gifts from
the heart instead of big-ticket items. A stay-at-home vacation instead of
basking on the beach. (Especially if you designate one day as a ‘beach day’ and
wear summer attire and flip flops inside even it its -20 outside). Traditional
Christmas fare on Christmas Day followed by your favourite “foreign holiday”
fare on Boxing Day. (For me, that would likely be fish and chips).
There are many great and fascinating ideas out there to keep
Christmas traditions alive even in these pandemic days. All it takes is a
little imagination and creativity. This is where social media excels—sharing
great ideas, crafts, activities and recipes. Take advantage. This is the key to
opening a door to your eventual victory over the impact of Covid.
And while you’re thinking and creating, take time to listen
to the inspirational music created by Handel, even if classical music is not
your normal genre.
As the saying goes: Try it. You’ll like it!
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