📖

Handel's Messiah

Music History: Baroque Era

Day 68of 180
Week 14of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand the oratorio musical form

2

Identify biblical passages used in Handel's Messiah

3

Appreciate music as a form of worship and storytelling

📖 Scripture Connection

Isaiah 9:6

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

— Isaiah 9:6 (WEB)

This prophetic verse is a key text in Handel's Messiah, directly connecting the musical work to biblical prophecy

📦 Materials Needed

  • Computer or music player
  • Handel's Messiah recording
  • Printed lyrics
  • BibleMouse Resource Guide: Grade 5 Music
  • World English Bible
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (3 min)

Recall yesterday's lesson about Bach's sacred music and how composers used music to glorify God

💭 Review Question: What did we learn about how Bach used music to worship?
2Teaching (10 min)

Introduction to Handel's Messiah as a musical storytelling of Christ's life

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Handel composed Messiah in 1741
  • An oratorio is a large musical work telling a sacred story
  • Messiah uses direct biblical texts for lyrics
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • How might music help us understand biblical stories?
  • What makes sacred music different from other music?
3Activity: Messiah Listening Journey (12 min)
listening and discussion

Listen to selected movements, following along with biblical texts

📝 Instructions:
  1. Play 'Hallelujah Chorus'
  2. Read corresponding Scripture passages
  3. Discuss musical and biblical themes
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Listen to shorter excerpts

Challenge: Research historical context of Handel's composition

4Closing (3 min)

Summarize how music can communicate biblical truths

📝 Review Questions:
  • What was unique about Handel's Messiah?
  • How does music help us worship?

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll explore how to add musical ornamentation to hymns

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Handel composed Messiah as a deeply spiritual work, often moving listeners to tears

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Encourage active listening
  • Connect musical phrases to biblical narratives
  • Allow child to express emotional responses
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might find classical music challenging to engage with

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Signs of emotional connection to music and biblical text

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Create a timeline of Handel's life
  • Draw a scene inspired by Messiah's lyrics
  • Research other famous oratorios

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 69 →Back to Music