One of the videos from YouTube that is taking the culture by storm occurred a few weeks ago in a Macy’s store in Philadelphia. The Opera Company of Philadelphia invaded the mall in Center City with 650 vocalists who, unknown to shoppers, had arranged what was called a “flash mob” burst.
At a specifically calibrated moment in time, the choir burst into singing The Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah to unsuspecting patrons. You can see what is described as a random act of culture at the YouTube link:
The Messiah is an English oratorio composed by George Frideric Handel during the summer of 1741. It premiered in Dublin, Ireland on the 13 April 1742. Handel continued to revise it until it reached its final rendition in 1754. This work of art has brought inspiration to every generation during these last 250 years and is now a common expression of Christianity as we prepare for Christmas celebrations.
What is really amazing is that the Messiah was not just an incredible masterpiece of Christian music but it became one of the strongest expressions of Christian doctrine ever produced. Messiah presents an interpretation of Christianity’s view of the Messiah, or the anointed one, and portrays him as Jesus Christ. Read the rest of this entry »
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