{"id":49855,"date":"2017-12-12T09:03:07","date_gmt":"2017-12-12T14:03:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/?p=49855"},"modified":"2017-12-12T09:03:07","modified_gmt":"2017-12-12T14:03:07","slug":"liszts-6-inventive-re-imaginings-handels-messiah","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/2017\/12\/12\/liszts-6-inventive-re-imaginings-handels-messiah\/","title":{"rendered":"LISZTS | 6 Inventive Re-imaginings Of Handel\u2019s Messiah"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-49859\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/12\/Handel-messiah-list.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/12\/Handel-messiah-list.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/12\/Handel-messiah-list-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/12\/Handel-messiah-list-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>\u2018Tis the season for&#8230; as many renditions of Handel\u2019s <em>Messiah<\/em> as Toronto audiences can take. From Tafelmusik\u2019s delightful \u201cSingalong Messiah\u201d featuring Maestro Ivars Taurins as Herr Handel and multiple renditions of the \u201cHallelujah\u201d chorus (because why not?) to Soundstreams\u2019 <em>Electric Messiah<\/em>, there\u2019s no shortage of fun ways to get your Handel on in the GTA.<\/p>\n<p>Here we present a round-up of some of the most inventive re-imaginings of this timeless piece, both old and new.<\/p>\n<h3>1: Against the Grain Theatre\u2019s <em>Messiah<\/em><\/h3>\n<p>This Dora-award winning production from 2015 featured a completely memorised, costumed, staged and choreographed rendition. Jennifer Nichols of Tafelmusik\u2019s Haus Musik provided the choreography while AtG founder Joel Ivany staged. Check out some archival footage for a taste:<\/p>\n<div class=\"jetpack-video-wrapper\"><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LG2_i-yZl2k?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/div>\n<h3>2: Classical Kids\u2019<em> Hallelujah Handel!<\/em><\/h3>\n<p>All the young Canadians who grew up hearing these timeless and Juno award-winning story tapes on family trips in the car (or was that just me?) will remember the riveting story-telling and incorporation of bits of <em>Messiah<\/em> written by Toronto\u2019s brilliant, beloved and recently passed away musician, educator and writer, Douglas Cowling. I personally still find it hard to listen to a choir sing \u201cFor unto us a child is born\u201d without hearing Herr Handel\u2019s voice yell: \u201cthose angels are too fat to get into heaven!\u201d as the sopranos struggle with the coloratura. Anyone looking to introduce their child to the magic of Handel would be remiss not to own a copy of these CD\u2019s.<\/p>\n<h3>3: Soundstreams\u2019 <em>Electric Messiah<\/em><\/h3>\n<p>For the past three years, Soundstreams has presented an antidote to your typical symphonic <em>Messiah<\/em> with their undone creation, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/2017\/12\/05\/scrutiny-an-electric-messiah-with-beats-becomes-a-tradition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Electric Messiah<\/em><\/a>. Under the direction of Adam Scime and Ashlie Corcoran in a concept by Kyle Brenders, this production at the Drake Underground has featured the singing of the Handel in multiple languages, dancing, a DJ, electric organ and plenty of electro-acoustic effects. Hopefully, they\u2019ll return for a fourth round next season!<\/p>\n<div class=\"jetpack-video-wrapper\"><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SL4lWmLZnUM?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/div>\n<h3>4: Toronto Symphony Orchestra\u2019s <em>Messiah<\/em> with Sir Andrew Davis<\/h3>\n<p>In 2010, Sir Andrew Davis, Conductor Laureate of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, decided it was time update the <em>Messiah<\/em> for a modern orchestra. They have recently released a CD of last season\u2019s performance, complete with Davis\u2019 updates that \u201ckeep Handel\u2019s notes, harmonies and style intact, but make use of all the colours available from the modern symphony orchestra\u201d and features marimba, sleigh bells, and all sorts of new musical effects to illustrate Handel\u2019s storytelling even more. With a recording that features grand opera singers Erin Wall, Elizabeth DeShong, Andrew Staples and John Relyea and has recently been nominated for a Grammy, this sparkling version is certainly worth checking out.<\/p>\n<div class=\"jetpack-video-wrapper\"><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/C5unCNZUpWg?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/div>\n<h3>5: Tafelmusik\u2019s <em>Singalong Messiah<\/em><\/h3>\n<p>A holiday favourite for Handel lovers across the GTA, we would be remiss not to mention what the Toronto Star has called \u201cthe most moving and joyful experience you could wish for.\u201d Here\u2019s a taste of what\u2019s coming December 17th:<\/p>\n<div class=\"jetpack-video-wrapper\"><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gzBD5h12M_4?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/div>\n<p><strong><em>6: Der Messias<\/em><\/strong><strong>, arranged by W. A. Mozart:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Performances of Mozart\u2019s arrangement of his predecessor\u2019s <em>Messiah <\/em>can be hard to come by, though one can\u2019t deny the fun of hearing a tenor make his way through the soprano aria, \u201cRejoice, Greatly!\u201d Not to mention that Mozart thought we were better off hearing a French horn that a trumpet sound in \u201cThe Trumpet Shall Sound\u201d or \u201cSie schallt, die Posaun\u2019\u201d as Mozart has it. It would be a treat to hear this piece in Toronto in the near future. Otherwise, one can head to Halifax where Symphony Nova Scotia will be presenting it in English next week.<\/p>\n<div class=\"jetpack-video-wrapper\"><span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tT07lFvdznE?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation\"><\/iframe><\/span><\/div>\n<h3><b><i>#LUDWIGVAN<\/i><br \/>\n<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><i>Want more updates on Toronto-centric classical music news and reviews before anyone else finds out? Follow us on\u00a0<\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LudwigVanToronto\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u><i>Facebook<\/i><\/u><\/a><i>\u00a0or\u00a0<\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LudwigVanTO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u><i>Twitter<\/i><\/u><\/a><i>\u00a0for all the latest.<\/i><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-48756 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/LudwigVan-head-text-looking_right.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"35\" height=\"55\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/LudwigVan-head-text-looking_right.jpg 833w, https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/LudwigVan-head-text-looking_right-190x300.jpg 190w, https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/LudwigVan-head-text-looking_right-768x1213.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/10\/LudwigVan-head-text-looking_right-648x1024.jpg 648w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 35px) 100vw, 35px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"abh_box abh_box_down abh_box_business\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A round-up of some of the most inventive re-imaginings of Handel&#8217;s Messiah, both old and new.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":49859,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[6439,5722,5797,63],"tags":[1396,2202],"yst_prominent_words":[11782,6918,6919,10602,14518,10968,10546,14827,7438,6615,6613,14825,6915,6913,14824,14822,6637,6826,6741,6827],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/12\/Handel-messiah-list.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p9bakr-cY7","amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49855"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/48"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49855"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49855\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49864,"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49855\/revisions\/49864"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49859"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49855"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49855"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49855"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ludwig-van.com\/toronto\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=49855"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}