Dear friend of the CPOS, G.F. Handel’s Messiah holds a special place in music history among the truly timeless masterworks. Every year, I revisit this great oratorio, and every year it reveals even more from the treasury of its composition. Just from seeing the words, I imagine you can instantly recall the opening notes of “Hallelujah,” “For unto Us a Child Is Born,” or “And the Glory of the Lord,” to name a few. From hauntingly beautiful vocal lines to toe-tappers, the Messiah is possibly one of the greatest collections of Western classical “hits” we have, and for good reason! Joined with the Messiah is J.S. Bach’s Cantata 29, “Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir,” or “We thank thee, God, we thank thee.” Bach composed it in 1731 for the inauguration of a new town council. As you’ll hear, from the intricate counterpoint of the vocal lines to the high-energy instrumental writing, this cantata is truly a gem, made even more appropriate for the season by the abounding themes of thanksgiving. The music was so good, in fact, that Bach himself copied and used various portions of it in other works of his over the years. The most notable self-plagiarism of the master was taking the first choral movement and unashamedly copying it for multiple places in his famous B-Minor Mass, including the “Gratias agimus tibi” from the Gloria and the closing chorus, “Dona nobis pacem.” For our entire twenty-year history, the Central PA Oratorio Singers have been able to pay all production costs through individual donations and ticket sales. We need your help to continue to bring this glorious literature to life for audiences and singers in our area. Please consider making a 100% tax-deductible contribution to CPOS through thepatronage page. Tickets may be purchased from singers, or onlinetickets page for $16 plus a small service fee, or at-the-door for $18 (Seniors / students $10). Please give as you can, and please come and enjoy the concert. The concert will be held at Market Square Presbyterian Church at 3:00 PM on Sunday, November 6, 2016. Bach, Handel, and the Central PA Oratorio Singers. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I hope you’ll join us for a great afternoon of really great music! Brett A. Terry, Conductor in Residence |
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