Really Hearing Handel's Messiah

Featuring Heather Good McCoy, soprano

Handel’s Messiah is undoubtedly the most popular, most performed choral piece in the classical repertoire. Handel is a master story teller who expertly uses many techniques to illuminate the text.

The score calls for four soloists (soprano, alto, tenor and bass), chorus (soprano, alto, tenor and bass sections) and orchestra. Why does Handel use the solo bass to sing about darkness? Why does the solo soprano’s melody flutter around like a butterfly? Presenter Eileen Soskin will share the answers to these questions and many more. Once you know how Handel plays the game you can proceed with confidence to uncover its secrets - and there are many!

Eileen Soskin retired to paradise (aka Whidbey Island) nine years ago. In her pre-retirement life she was a Professor of Music Theory and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Peabody Conservatory, as well as the Associate Vice Provost of the Arts at the Johns Hopkins University. Eileen also held prior faculty positions at the University of Iowa, San Francisco State University, and the University of California at Berkeley. She loves performing music, listening to music, talking about music, and helping others become active listeners.