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Rehearsing Handel's Messiah

1. Sinfonia

Time: 4/4 conducted in 8 (opening section), in 2 (faster section); Key: E minor

​This is the oveture to the Messiah, consisting of a slow introduction and a faster fugal section.​​​​​​​

Scales to practice

Practice these scales at different speeds to familiarise yourself with the common notes of the E minor scales.

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Rhythm exercises:

​The opening section is characterised by double dotted rhythms. You can practice the dotted rhythm on a single note, such as a concert E, taking care to place the semi-quaver  clearly on every 8th semi-quaver. You also need to take care to place the demi-semi-quavers. We are aiming for a speed of about 60 beats per minute.

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The Allegro moderato tempo is aiming for about a crotchet pulse of 120 bpm. This rhythm will help with starting on the off-beat and practicing a minim tied over the barline to a quaver pattern. The scales and rhythm exercises can be played from the player below.

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Overture - scales and rhythms
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2. Recitative for tenor - COMFORT YE

Time: 4/4 conducted in 8; Key: E major

​This is an accompanied recitative until the last 8 bars where the chords are directed between the text​​​​​​​

Scales to practice

Practice the scale of E major (F#, C#, G#, D#) or the relevant scale for transposing instruments.

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Rhythm exercises:

​At a speed of about 60 quaver beats per minute, aim to keep a good quaver pulse and precise dotted rhythms:

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Comfort Ye - scales and rhythms
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3. Aria for tenor - Ev'ry valley shall be exalted

Time: 4/4 conducted in 4; Key: E major; metronome at approx 104 beats per minute

​This is an aria for the tenor soloist.

Scales to practice

Practice the scale of E major (F#, C#, G#, D#) or the relevant scale for transposing instruments.

Placement of the chords in the recitative ending:​

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Rhythm exercises:

​At a speed of about 104 crotchet beats per minute, keep a good dotted rhythm and tied note across the barline. Practising without the tie first might help to keep the semi-quavers placed,

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3.Ev'ry Valley - scales and rhythms
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3. Aria for tenor - Ev'ry valley shall be exalted

Time: 3/4 conducted in 3; Key: A major; metronome at approx 124 beats per minute

​This the first chorus in the Messiah and sets the text:

And the Glory of the Lord, shall be revealed,

and all flesh shall see it together,

for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it 

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Scales to practice

Practice the scale of A major (F#, C#, G#) or the relevant scale for transposing instruments.

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Rhythm exercises:

​At a speed of about 124 crotchet beats per minute, maintain a balanced three-time rhythm.

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4.And the Glory - scale and rhythm
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