Musical contribution - July 2019

How beautiful are the feet - George Friedrich Händel (1685-1759)

(LiVE sample set: Manchester, Hill & Sons)

There are composers you cannot and should not ignore. Among the more than 130 pieces of music we’ve shared with you so far, there are a number of composers we see returning with some regularity, one of whom is Händel. This is the fourth time we’ve encountered his name. Something else worth noting is that this is the third time that we’ve brought something from the oratorio “The Messiah” into the spotlight. The first two were:

• He shall feed His flock November 2013

• I know that my Redeemer liveth April 2014

After offering the first movement of a trio sonata by Stölzel last month, I promised that we would also be offering the remaining movements in the near future, so that we could eventually complete the work. I’m not going to promise that in this instance.

The text comes from Isaiah 52:7 and Romans 10:15, and is encouragement for those delivering the good news.

We take a slow tempo: we’ve all the time in the world to bring the message of Peace. The first eight bars are an introduction. Depending on the leading stop, we seek tranquility in a flute 8’ or 8’ and 4’. Then comes the leading stop. Because this is lower than the accompaniment, it is important to make a clear distinction. If the flute 8’ accompaniment is soft, a principal 8’ will go beautifully with it. If you choose 8’ and 4’, a small reed is perhaps a good option. The melody is interrupted twice, in bars 20-21 and 36-37. At the end of page 2, you’ll see: D.C. (Da capo) al Fine. That means: Once again from the beginning to the word “Fine” (bar 8).

You may well be the bringer of the good news for your listeners. We wish you much joy along the way.

Warm regards,

André van Vliet