Conductor Nicholas McGegan on 5 magical Messiah moments that aren’t the Hallelujah Chorus
Compiled by Eric Dundon
George Frideric Handel, a musical titan of the Baroque period, produced 25 oratorios during his lifetime. Messiah, premiered in 1742, is his most famous and, arguably, one of the most important pieces of music ever created.
Handel’s Messiah follows the story of Jesus Christ: Part One prophesies the birth of Jesus; Part Two exalts his sacrifice for humankind; Part Three heralds his Resurrection.
The second part of the piece contains the iconic “Hallelujah Chorus,” derived from a section of the biblical Book of Revelation, and is among the most recognized pieces of music.
The SLSO performs G.F. Handel’s Messiah regularly, last performing the famous oratorio in December 2022 with Laurence Cummings. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat)
The original Easter offering gained immense popularity, eventually becoming one of Western music’s most well-known and frequently performed choral pieces. Messiah, now a musical rite to the Christmas season, continues to awe listeners after almost three centuries.
Conductor Nicholas McGegan has led the work dozens of times with orchestras around the world, including more than a dozen complete performances with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra dating back to 1986.
McGegan will again lead the SLSO, St. Louis Symphony Chorus, and a cast of vocalists in this beloved music tradition on December 12–14, 2025, at Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center.
While most people recognize the “Hallelujah Chorus,” the entire oratorio is filled with moving musical moments. McGegan shared a selection of Messiah moments that he thinks could rival the “Hallelujah Chorus” in popularity.
Conductor Nicholas McGegan has led the work countless times, including more than a dozen times with the SLSO. He says the qualities of the hall and vocal soloists constantly influence his interpretation. (Photo by Dario Acosta)
Comfort Ye, My People
This is the first vocal piece of the work. It has a wonderful warmth after a rather bleak overture as if the sun had come out of the clouds. It is the perfect beginning of the journey towards the final Amen.
Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion
This is the most virtuoso aria in the whole work. It was written for an Italian soprano who clearly was quite the diva. Normally in Messiah, the music is more subservient to the words, but in this movement the music really takes center stage.
For Unto Us a Child Is Born
This is a terrific chorus of tremendous joy. I always find it extraordinary to think that this music started life as an Italian love duet for two sopranos.
The Trumpet Shall Sound
This magnificent bass aria is the only one in the whole piece where there is a special part for a member of the orchestra. The trumpet music provides the perfect counterpoint to the vocal part.
Amen Chorus (Worthy Is the Lamb That Was Slain)
This is the sort of music that I imagine could be played in heaven. It is timeless, unhurried, and majestic. It is the ideal end of the religious journey which is described in Messiah.
Eric Dundon is the SLSO’s Public Relations Director.
