Elevating Art

In this year of George Frederic Handel's anniversary, it is worth remembering two particular anecdotes relating to his famous oratorio, Messiah. They tell us something of the aim of good art, which is to lift us above ourselves, that we might walk away from it elevated, in a manner of speaking, and edified, our souls raised higher than they were before. Both literally and figuratively, this point is illustrated here.

Letter of James Beattie to the Rev. Dr. Laing, May 25, 1780, in William Forbes, An Account of the Life and Writings of James Beattie, L.L.D., pp. 330-331:

I lately heard two anecdotes, which deserve to be put in writing, and which you will be glad to hear. When Handel's "Messiah" was first performed, the audience were exceedingly struck and affected by the music in general; but when that chorus struck up, "For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth," they were so transported, that they all, together with the King, (who happened to be present) started up, and remained standing till the chorus ended: And hence it became the fashion in England for the audience to stand while that part of the music is performing. Some days after the first exhibition of the same divine oratorio, Mr. Handel came to pay his respects to Lord Kinnoul, with whom he was particularly acquainted. His Lordship, as was natural, paid him some compliments on the noble entertainment which he had lately given the town. "My Lord," said Handel, "I should be sorry if I only entertained them; I wish to make them better." These two anecdotes I had from Lord Kinnoul himself. You will agree with me, that the first does great honour to Handel, to music, and to the English nation: The second tends to confirm my theory, and Sir John Hawkins's testimony, that Handel, in spite of all that has been said to the contrary, must have been a pious man."

Wisdom, By Whom Kings Reign

Charles Bridges, A Commentary on Proverbs, p. 76:

"By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth." Proverbs 8:15-16.

Another glorious contemplation of this Divine Person! He proclaims himself to be the source of power and authority, no less than of counsel and wisdom. "KING OF KINGS" was the mysterious name written upon his vesture. (Rev. xix.16; i.5; xvii.14.) Yet his crown does not displace the regal diadem from the brow of earthly princes; nor is the sceptre to fall from their hands. These ensigns of power are to be held, but in subordination to his own. By me kings reign; not only by my permission, but by my appointment. They bear my name. They are stamped with my authority. (Exod. xxii.28. Ps. lxxxii.6. John, x.35.) Proud anarchy disputes the prerogative, and traces the authority to the people; only that they may cast off the yoke of God, and "do that which is right in their own eyes." (Judg. xvii.6; xix.1. Hos. viii.4. 2 Pet. ii.10. Jude, 8.) Scripture polities lay down the offensive truth– "There is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God. They are ministers of God," not servants of the people. (Rom. xiii.1-6.) Government in all its administrations – kings, princes, nobles, judges – is a Divinely-consecrated ordinance. Every kingdom is a province of the universal empire of the "King of kings." Men may mix their own pride, folly, and self-will with this appointment. But God's providential counter-working preserves the substantial blessing. Yet, if "the power be exclusively of God," then is Wisdom, by whom kings reign, the very essence and person of God. And here is our rest, our anchor in this world's agitating storm. "The government of the world is on the shoulders" of "the Head of the Church." (Isa. ix. 6.) All things – all power in heaven and in earth – is delivered unto him of his Father. "The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice." (Ps. xcvii. 1.)

Handel Anniversary

George Frederic Handel, the great German composer, died 250 years ago on April 14, 1759. Also, the first public performance of his best-known oratorio, Messiah, took place in Dublin, Ireland on April 13, 1742. It is said that when King George II was attendance for a performance on March 23, 1743, he stood for the Hallelujah Chorus, thus inaugurating a tradition which continues today when this piece is sung; therefore, in remembrance of these anniversaries, I present Handel's Hallelujah Chorus.