Jesus Goes Mainstream, Classical Music Edition

Over the last several weeks here on Music for Mondays, I've been exploring Jesus in mainstream culture through music. So far I've covered pop hits from the 1960's and 70's, as well as the 1980's up through the early 2000's. Last week I took you back to the times of Spain shortly after the Protestant Reformation.

Yes, I'm zig-zagging all over the timeline. For this week, I'm moving forward a bit starting in 1723 with pieces by Bach, then to the mid 1700's with Handel (that's him in the portrait above) and ending in 1825 with something by Franz Schubert.

First up is a selection that I always remember fondly because my wife chose it for our wedding. What, you too? Ain't it grand?

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, J.S. Bach. Performed to a standing ovation of proud parents and admirers, kids from the Joven Orquesta del Club Argentino do Bach's piece justice here,



St. John's Passion, J.S. Bach (1724). Performed by The Chamber Orchestra of Kazan State Conservatoire. You know what is neat about this performance from Russia? It's so well done, and since the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima was last Friday, what better than to hear classical Jesus music from Russia? Thank God folks are able to worship there again! And play music like this too.



St. Matthew's Passion, J.S. Bach (1727). Bach also wrote a Passion from the gospel of Matthew. Possibly the gospels of Mark and Luke as well. This selection is performed by the Brandenburg Concerto with tenor Martyn Hill. I love the oboe in this piece, don't you?



Behold the Lamb of God, George Frideric Handel. This is performed by The London Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus from Handel's "Messiah." Handel wrote this in 1741, and revised it in 1754. FYI, Handel is buried in Westminster Abbey and has a feast day on the Episcopal Church calender.



And the Glory of the Lord, George Frideric Handel. Also from "Messiah," this time performed by the Bow Valley Chorus, from Alberta, Canada.



Ave Maria, Franz Schubert This was played at my wedding too (I married a Catholic girl, remember?). From Schubert's Lady in the Lake, based on poems by Sir Walter Scott, this is the prayer of the character Ellen Douglas, sung to Our Lord's (and our) Mother. Led by violinist Joshua Bell, this is the Verbier Fesitval Chamber Orchestra, with guest Angelika Kirchschlager as the mezzo soprano. Bravo!



That's about all the time we have for today. I promise more for next Monday. Ciao!