Selections from Messiah

Intermediate Piano Solo

By George Frideric Handel

I know "The Messiah" well, having sung it at the University of Michigan five times, and it being my mother's favorite recording, therefore playing on the stereo a lot of the time. I am a piano teacher of 30 years, focusing most on classical music, mixed with a smorgasbord...

of styles. This transcription reflects the heart and soul of "Messiah." Everything is there, albeit not quite as complicated as the accompaniment to the original. One exception: trills are not included. This is very satisfying to play, even though it is ranked as Intermediate. As a solo piano arrangement, it is attainable and sounds complete: a good choice for students at this stage in their development, as an example of baroque music which is not named Bach.

With choirs shut down by COVID, this was the next best thing for experiencing Messiah this year. The transcriptions are very well done. They capture the spirit of the original, with a full sound that doesn't feel like important parts of the texture are missing. The arrangements are formally...

balanced despite cutting some sections and repeats from the original. The message transcends the change of medium.I found some of the arrangements, including Sinfonia, O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings, and Hallelujah, to be pretty challenging.

I am really enjoying learning to play these fine arrangements. "Comfort Ye" and "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth" are the easiest for me because they are not too fast. Definitely intermediate level, as advertised, but they sound rich and full. No fingering, so I'm working with my teacher...

on what works best. Words are given in the front of the book, which is nice. I'm very glad I got this collection, and look forward to working up a few new numbers each Christmas season as I improve!