Musical contribution - April 2014

Aria “I know that my Redeemer liveth” (G.F. Händel, 1685-1759) -  We already offered part of “The Messiah” last November. Now – half a year later – we would like to put the spotlight on another part of this Oratorium: “I know that my Redeemer liveth”. The Messiah can be divided up into three sections. The third section is focussed on Christ’s resurrection from the dead and His glorification in heaven. This is why the third section opens up with a soprano solo with words from Job 19: 25-26 and 1 Corinthians 15: 20.

The version we would hereby like to offer you is based on an organ with 3 manuals. The solo (soprano solo) is played on the “Choir”, whilst the “Swell” has a softer tone than the “Great”. However, it can certainly also be played very effectively on a 2 manual organ, although you would need to realise the difference between “mf” and “p” with 1 or 2 stops.

I have opted for the combination of flutes 8’, 4’ and 2 2/3’ as the solo stop. Of course if this combination can only be realised on the “Swell”, or perhaps if it sounds better on the “Swell” than on the “Choir”, then it’s obviously perfectly acceptable to change things around too. It’s all about the principle: solo stop, mf and p.

This aria is therefore perfectly suitable as an organ solo. Both in preparation for a service, as well as a concert programme. We would like to wish you a blessed Easter.

With Kind Regards,
André