Handel's Messiah with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square

Handel's Messiah with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square part from BYUtv's 2018 spectacular captures the very essence of the sublime elegance, grace, and spirituality that classical music and choral traditions can offer. This unique presentation marries the musical genius of George Frideric Handel, one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era, with the exemplary devotion, skill, and enthusiasm of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple square.

The performance parts from the all-volunteer Mormon Tabernacle Choir, which is world-renowned for its perfect balance, tone, and unity of spirit, shining with passionate dedication and perfect harmony. The impressive 360-member choir, divided into four parts —the sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses— enriches Handel’s masterpiece with the depth of their collective voices. Each member brings an individual spirit and sincere commitment to convey the emotional depth of the compositions, helping evoke profound feelings of awe and reverence in the audience.

Accompanying the choir, the Orchestra at Temple Square, consisting of 200 talented musicians, bring the inspiring score to life. The orchestral piece, composed of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, creates an impressive, well-balanced sound quality that remarkably complements the choral performance. The immense talent of these musicians is evident in their ability to articulately capture the characteristic baroque style, intricate counterpoint, and ornate melody lines of Handel’s Messiah. Their marvelous execution propels the listeners on a timeless journey across an emotional landscape, embodying sadness, joy, contemplation, and triumph, which are the core themes surrounding Handel's composition.

The 2018 performance features an array of special soloists, each an expert in their field, who further enhance the event by showcasing their extraordinary vocal skill and interpretive prowess. These soloists breathe unique life into the sacred texts, presenting them in a manner that deeply resonates with the audience. The combination of the choir, orchestra, and soloists fills the magnificent venue, the Salt Lake Tabernacle, with an atmosphere that overflows with reflective spirituality and vibrant energy.

The BYUtv special beautifully presents Handel’s Messiah, capturing the solemnity, beauty, and splendor of this grand performance. Every shot is masterfully filmed and edited to provide multiple perspectives of performers - sweeping across the radiant faces of the choir members, zooming in on the varied expressions of the soloists, closely examining the deft hands of the musicians as they handle their instruments, and capturing the insightful glances of the conductors as they guide their performers.

The show does more than merely showcasing the grandeur of the performance. It also includes short segments that cover enlightening discussions about the history, composition, and distinct attributes of Handel's Messiah. Insights and stories from conductors, scholars, and performers are interwoven within the performance footage to provide the audience with a broader appreciation of the incredible depth and breadth of this important piece of music, enlivening the resonate truth that Handel's Messiah is more than a holiday tradition, but a transcendent work of art that continues to inspire.

The bilingual nature of the BYUtv broadcast is also worth noting, as it draws a broader audience. The show consists of English and Spanish programming, including subtitles and narrations for those who might need or prefer them.

Additionally, the show doesn't shy away from displaying the colossal architecture and radiant décor of the Salt Lake Tabernacle, further adding a visual feast to the already sonorous majesty of the show. The Tabernacle itself, with its massive scale and intricate design, provides a perfect backdrop to this 2018 musical event and serves as a testament to the community and devotion that underpins both the choir and its remarkable annual tradition.

This 2018 BYUtv special of Handel's Messiah with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square stands as a remarkable spectacle that combines musical brilliance, a deeply spiritual atmosphere, and engaging commentary. It's an enchanting experience that transcends mainstream musical performances, escalating the viewers into the profound realms of spirituality while displaying the grandeur of classical music and choir tradition. The masterpiece serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's shared abilities to connect, to inspire, and to triumph through shared culture and artistic expression. It truly is a testament to the timelessness and universality of music as a powerful conduit of shared emotions and human connection.