The world is peaceful and the nation is good, and the national heroes are thousands of people admire
——Analysis of the aesthetic value of the Qing opera "Hallelujah"
Towards the sunshine
"Hallelujah" is the most famous chorus in the oratorio "Messiah" created by the German composer Handel (1685-1759). The oratorio was originally a large-scale vocal set with religious content, which included prelude, renaissance, aria , tributes, choruses and interludes, but later there were many works with secular content. Most of the oratories created by Handel are based on biblical stories, but they are filled with praises of national struggles or national heroes. His music is famous for its simplicity and smoothness of the melody, its majestic momentum, its bright sound, and its vivid description of characters and plots. He used the experience accumulated in opera creation to use in Qing opera, making the character of arias more diverse and the tone of renaissance and narrative more melodious, and strengthening the title and creativity of overtures, interludes, and instrumental accompaniment. Especially in the use of chorus, in order to highlight the passionate scenes and passionate emotions of mass, we do not stick to polyphonic music, but widely use the main tune music, so that the two are organically combined, greatly improving the status of chorus in Qing opera. All his efforts made outstanding contributions to the development of Qing opera.
"Messiah" originated from Hebrew, meaning "anointed" (when ancient Jewish people established kings and sacrificed, they often held rituals to apply anointed oil on the head of the enfeoffed person). Later, it was used by Christianity to call the Savior Jesus , meaning "savior". The lyrics of "Messiah" are in English and are taken from the Christian Bible. The whole song is divided into three parts, including 57 movements including prelude, aria, chorus, chorus, interlude. The first part (21 movement) is "prophecy and achievement", which describes the birth of the holy infant Jesus; the second part (23 movement) is "passion and salvation", which is about Jesus' experience of spreading the gospel everywhere and crucifixion in order to save mankind; the third part (13 movement) is "resurrection and glory", which describes the story of Jesus' resurrection and praises eternal life. The whole singing takes more than two hours. It is based on the content summary of Christ's birth, suffering, and resurrection. It was created by Handel in the most difficult period in 1741. This is the best of Handel's few works that fully express religious content, in fact, the dramaticity and human propaganda of music are far superior to religious pious feelings. "Even the Messiah is the Savior of mankind, it is more from darkness and suffering to light and freedom, rather than from original sin to compassion. And there are more heroes than martyrs." (Friedrich Bolume)
The whole play is the main harmonic music style, and it is known for its beautiful melody and harmony refinement. The use of Sicilian folk instrument bagpipe was bold and novel at that time. Because many of the musical music have high technical training value and artistic quality, they are still widely used in concerts and acoustic teaching. The entire work is full of classics and is so beautiful. Among them, the "Hallelujah" section has become a masterpiece of history with its shocking momentum, refined and long melody, and the solemn and elegant church hymns.
Handel's decades since his settlement in England from Germany in 1712, his operas have almost monopolized opera houses throughout the UK, but have also been viciously attacked by those who jealous of him, which finally broke his economy and a low reputation. Just as he was filled with great pain in his heart and left London and returned to Germany with tears, the Governor of Ireland supported him and asked him to go to Dublin to conduct his performance. It happened that his friend Jie Nengshi wrote the lyrics of the Qing opera "Messiah" and asked him to compose a music. During that period, he was completely immersed in the inspiration of his creation and wrote a 354-page oratorio score in just 24 days. When he finished writing the chorus of Hallelujah, his servant saw Handel crying and said excitedly, "I saw the whole kingdom of heaven and the great God."In September 1741, under an unstoppable enthusiasm, the composer Handel completed his grand work, the oratorio "Messiah", which he was destined to become a classic in a very short time. This is the author's deep sympathy and compassion "written with tears". When he was creating, he wrote it in one go, and his works were very grand, solemn, smooth and passionate. In April 1742, "The Messiah" was performed for the first time at the Niels Concert Hall in Dublin and was warmly welcomed. In March 1743, "The Messiah" was performed in the London Concert Hall and gained great reputation. The British King visited the theater in person. When the passage "I am the Lord and I God, omniscient , omnipotent, and great power" began in the song "Hallelujah", the king could not suppress his inner excitement, so he suddenly stood up to express his respect. The audience was deeply moved by the music and stood up in awe. The King of England stood until the end of the chorus and called it "the national anthem of heaven." This move has since become a very special routine. Until today, when people perform "Messiah", when they sing "Hallelujah", all the listeners must stand together and listen to the beauty of the vocal symphony of the four choruses . According to Christian understanding, because of the death of Jesus atones for the sins of the people. But the Messiah written by Handel in this work has another personality and spirit. He combined Jesus' humanitarianism with the bourgeois enlightenment, and the "Messiah" did not redeem people's sins through death, but endured the pain of death for the freedom of the people. This work describes "God" in form and "Man" in essence, which reflects the needs of the bourgeois revolutionary preparation stage. As Engels said, "Put the interests of the masses into the cloak of religion."
"Hallelujah" is the finale of the second part of the oratorio "Messiah", and is the most magnificent chorus in this oratorio. All lyrics are excerpted from the Bible, which is edited from the verses in chapters 11 and 19 of the New Testament Revelation. When Handel wrote "Hallelujah Chorus", Handel leaned on the table and murmured and cried: "I saw the kingdom of heaven, I saw Jesus!" After this sincere and glorious song came out, it gradually became a classic work. This chorus is performed by boys and girls. The interweaving and coordinating between the parts seem particularly harmonious, and there is a sense of continuous and continuous continuity. Although its architecture is simple and catchy, it has a terrifying momentum. The drums and trumpet filled the whole song with affirmation and enthusiasm. It means that people in the world feel extremely happy and joyful because of eternal life.
"Hallelujah" is Hebrew, which means "Praise the Lord" in Chinese (English "Praise the Lord", which is the holy name of God in the Old Testament). "Hallelu" means "praise" in Hebrew, and "Ah" is the abbreviation of "Jehovah". "Hallelujah" means to praise the Lord for you. "Hal-le-lu-jah", generally translated as "Hallelujah" in Chinese, means "Praise you, Lord!" and "Praise the Lord!" is the cheering words of Christianity when believers praise God. Although it is a religious song, it inspires people's noble sentiments because of its majestic momentum and full of praise and praise of lofty ideas. It often appears as a chorus program in foreign concerts and is deeply loved by the majority of listeners.
"Hallelujah" consists of five segments and a short ending, D major, 4/4 beats. The song uses the development technique of closely combining polyphonics and harmony, as well as the melody structure with the main and genusal sounds as the skeleton in the work, making the entire melody noble, majestic, solemn and majestic, fully expressing the harmony and prosperity of the opposition and harmony, and expressing the Christians' insinuation of the Savior Jesus and their joy and joy.
music begins with a prelude to three bars, and then enters the first section consisting of 8 bars. It is written in a series of praise and cheers with majestic and imposing harmony.The last 4 bars (see the example below) raise the tone to make the cheers even higher:
1 . 5 65 0 ｜1 . 5 65 011 ｜11 011 11 01｜7 1 7 1 0｜
2 . 5 32 0｜2 . 5 32 022｜32 022 32 02｜32 1 7 0｜
This paragraph not only looks like the introduction of the whole song, but also its music and rhythm of the motivation run through the whole song like the dominant motivation, and is cleverly used in the subsequent fugue paragraphs as the form of a question or interlude and reproduces it.
The second paragraph is written in two parts in different ways with materials on the same theme: the first part has 10 bars in total, the first 5 bars are like the theme of the fugue segment, and the last 5 bars are like the answers to the fugue segment. They form a five-degree imitation, but they are all sung in a mixed voice. The "Hallelujah" after each sentence is the repetition of the change of the dominant motivation:
5 - 6 7｜11 1 .1 7｜6 - 5 022｜17 022 17 022｜32 022 32 0｜
1 - 2 3｜44 4 .4 3｜2 - 1 011｜43 011 43 011｜43 011 43 0｜
This method of using the structure of fugue and the harmony texture of the main tune music, organically combines the theme of the music to make the theme of the music clear and loud, majestic and powerful. The second part is a fugue section composed of the theme melody of the first part, which is developed by using the theme melody of the first part. The sacred and brilliant melody of the theme and answering questions are sung by four parts (appearing in the soprano, male and two middle parts). The other parts are accompanied by fresh, bright, lively and short sub-melody (i.e.: 0 011 75 011｜66 022 75 1｜1 7 133 53｜……The dominant motivation of “Hallelujah”) is interspersed in it, creating a grand and exciting momentum. When the musician Haydn heard this touching musical melody, he couldn't help but praise: "What a huge and sacred music! Handel is worthy of being the greatest person! In my life, I have to write such a oratorio." Later, Haydn wrote the famous oratorio "Genesis" and "Four Seasons".
The third section is also divided into two parts: the first part 8 bars, composed of harmony techniques:
5｜5 4 3 2.1｜1 ― ― ―｜0 0 3 2.1｜1 ― ― ― ― 3｜2 1 1 7｜1. Its rhythm and tune are smooth and gentle, and the melody is suppressed in front and raised in the back, closely combined with the meaning of the lyrics, making it look extremely solemn and dignified. The second part is the 10-bar fugue segment, the theme first appears in the bass section:
5 1 3｜6 1 4 32｜2 ― 1. The answers appear in the tenor, bass , and soprano parts. Their matching questions are still composed of the rhythm changes that dominate the motivation, but they are unified with the lyrics of this section. The music develops from low to high, forming a step-by-step and rising momentum and entering the fourth section.
The fourth section (18) is developed in the form of accompaniment under the main melody. The accompaniment part is composed of a harmonic texture written with the leading motivation:
5 5｜5 ― ― ― ―｜0 5 5 ｜…1 1｜1 ― ― ―｜……
0 0｜0 02 32 02｜32 022 32 022 32 022｜32 022 32 022｜32 0 0｜…0 0｜0 05 65 05｜…
It further strengthens the praise and praise of the Savior Jehovah. The development of the main melody is written using the method of three upward shifts, and finally reaches the highest notation of the whole song, forming the climax of the whole song. It brings people into a noble artistic conception that is extraordinary. Handel was moved to tears when he was creating, and shouted, "I saw the Kingdom of Heaven and Jesus!"
The fifth paragraph (22) adopts the themes of the third paragraph and the fourth paragraph, and maintains their respective different techniques of polyphonic and harmony, and develops alternately with each other. They are seamlessly intertwined and are the climax of music that continues to develop. Finally, the ending of the five "Hallelujas" composed of the dominant mechanism (5 bars), ending the song in a warm atmosphere of praise.
Handel also favored this chorus. During the days when he was blind in the last few years of his life, he often sat alone in front of the organ and played "Hallelujah" to make fun of it. This chorus that is unparalleled in ancient and modern times shows people the characteristics of exquisite melody, vivid rhythm, and full and magnificent harmony. At the same time, Handel's great genius in music is also shown.
European music culture is the crystallization of the co-creation of people of European countries, composers and artists. Many of their excellent works of art not only have a high artistic appeal, but also have distinct characteristics of the times. They are also a vivid reflection of the world view and artistic conception of composers and artists (poets, writers) and have high artistic value.
The oratorio "Messel" is Handel's greatest work in his life, and the chorus "Hallelujah" is the most widely circulated. This work reflects the humanitarian spirit of the early Enlightenment , and uses the story of Jesus saving mankind in the Bible to activate people's lofty spiritual power. The national hero Jehovah, in order to save mankind, died with a sinless body. This humanitarian spirit is an example for the world. His character and spirit are always worthy of being passed down from generation to generation. In people's hearts, he is the king of peace and the god of eternal life. It is the righteous sun, the bright morning star. It shines with the sun and the moon, and coexists with the heaven and earth. "Hallelujah" is a classic masterpiece that praises national heroes and promotes human nature, and is also a model work of music in European Baroque period. In the teaching of music appreciation classes, we should allow young students to have more exposure to some excellent works of this period. This will not only broaden their music horizons and enrich their knowledge in the history of Western music, but also be of great benefit to improving students' music appreciation standards and cultivating noble character and sentiment.
The world is peaceful and nations are good, and national heroes are admired by thousands of nations. May my descendants of China and the people of peace all over the world respect heroes, respect morality and goodness, and be a noble and righteous person.
[Author introduction]
Xiangyang, from Linxiang City, Hunan Province, university culture, senior middle school music teacher, International Federation of Authors and Composers (CISAC), International Music Education Society (ISME), China Literary and Art Critics Association , China Musicians Association , China Music Copyright Association, Music Education Branch of the Chinese Society of Education, Erhu Society of China Music Association, China Ethnic Orchestra Society member, certified poet of China Poetry Network, director of Hunan Music Review Committee, outstanding instructor of the art level examination of China Conservatory of Music, creator of Toutiao quality cultural field and awarded the honorary badge of "Toutiao Qingyun Winner". He was once hired as a columnist of Hunan Red Net (Literature and Art) of "Singing in Xiangjiang" and "Music Education and Creation", a music judge of Hunan Academy of Education and Science, a visiting professor of the Department of Music of Yueyang Normal University (predecessor of Hunan Institute of Technology), a visiting professor of the Department of Music of Yueyang Normal University (the predecessor of Hunan Institute of Technology), and a deputy editor-in-chief of "Song of Leyuan Gardener" and "Flower Language" magazine, and a special editor of "Song of a Century" (Poetry Collection).
Main achievements: winner of the "World Cultural Celebrity Achievement Award". He has published more than a thousand literary works, music reviews, and music education papers in national, provincial and municipal newspapers, with more than 5 million words. More than 50 poems and 15 quotations, including "Qinyuanchun·National Day Thoughts", "Xijiangyue·Sixty-year-old praise of the motherland", "Qingpingle·Nine-ranking feelings of the party", "Quanyan·Song of the 18th National Congress", "Da Lianzi·Convene the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China", etc., won the gold and special prizes of the Global Chinese Federation and the World Chinese Writers Association; "Seven-character Chronological Constitution·Langtaosha·Insights of the Founding of the Party", "Jiangchengzi·Returning to the Late Boat", "Like Dreams·Praise of Women", " Caisangzi·Dongyang ", "Huanxisha·Congratulations on the 'Twelve Gods'", "Shuitu Songtou·Beautiful My Hometown 》《Telling the Heart·New Year's Words", "Party, I Sing You with My Heart", "Party, I Wish You", etc., participated in a large-scale essay selection activity with the theme of "Remembering the Glorious Years and Praise the Hundred Years of Glory" jointly organized by the China World Association for the Promotion of Ethnic Cultural Exchange and Beijing Siam Chinese Culture Research Institute, and won the gold medal;
"Beautiful Linxiang·Group of Poems" (26 poems) won the Best Award of the China Documentary Literature Research Association; 2 lyrics including "Glory of China" won the first prize of the Hunan Federation of Literary and Art Circles. This work has been successively awarded seven collections of poems and famous quotes including "The Praise of the World's Outstanding Chinese Poetry", "Ode to the Great Man and Sing the Chinese Dream", "Eternal Glory", "H Ode to the Party ", "Song of a Hundred Years", and "A Collection of Quotations from Famous Masters of Ancient and Modern China and Foreign Countries".8 works including "Gifts to Teachers" participated in the series of exhibitions of celebrity works in the art held by the China International Celebrity Research Institute and won the Bronze Tripod Award; 2 aesthetic papers including "A Brilliant Pearl Appreciation of Spring River Flower Moon Night" won the gold medal of the "World Academic Contribution Award"; more than 10 papers including "About Instrumental Teaching in Quality Education" were rated as first and second prizes by Central Propaganda Department, Ministry of Education, Central Institute of Education, and Chinese Education Society ; 8 papers including "On Music Education Research and Teaching Practice" won the first prize of Hunan Academy of Education and Science for the consecutive time; 5 songs including "Golden Years" won the gold and silver awards of the National Song Competition, among which "Advance a New Life with the Party" (lyrics, songs) participated in the event. Touching China ( Qiao Yu questions) '2021 "Motherland, I'm proud of you" National Large-scale Original Lyrics and Music Competition, won the Golden Melody Award. At the same time, the work was recorded in CCTV Starlight Studio and broadcast live;
"Interpretation of the Connotation of Following the Party to Become a New Life" and other 2 music reviews include " Hunan Daily " (Xiangjiang Weekly·Yifeng), the Central Propaganda Department "Study to Strengthen the Country"; more than 100 songs including "My China" and "We Embrace Spring" were selected into "National Teacher Composer Song Collection" (Part 1 and Part 2) "China's Contemporary Excellent Campus Songs", "Sweet Songs - Special Special Number of Teaching Composers". He has written more than 10 books, including "Music Culture and Quality Education", "Research on Chinese and Foreign Music History", "A Collection of Ten Excellent Songs of Chinese Music Education" (Album of Excellent Songs of Xiang Yangguang), "Selected Vocal Music Works of Xiang Yangguang", "Selected Vocal Music Works of Xiang Yangguang", "Song of Linxiang" (Ten Moves), and "Song of Wujian Mountain" (Five Moves), among which "Music Culture and Quality Education" (Monographs of the Topic):
was approved by the Hunan Provincial Department of Education and included in the publication of books for primary and secondary schools in the province. Later, it was selected into the national music textbooks for colleges and universities, and was included in the "National Music Education Series Textbooks for Colleges and Universities" (Major Courses) by Shanghai Conservatory of Music .
In addition, he taught students to participate in the National Music Knowledge Competition and won first and second prizes, and was awarded the first-class gardener award by the Music Education Committee of the China Musicians Association three times; he taught students to participate in the National Music Examination and the "Three Independences" competition to achieve good results, and won the honorary title of "Excellent Instructor" of the China Conservatory of Music Examination Committee, the Hunan Provincial Department of Education, and the Yueyang Municipal Education Bureau. Over the past 40 years, he has sent a large number of music majors to more than 10 colleges and universities including Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Guizhou Normal University, and China Conservatory of Music, Wuhan Institute of Music, Western Music, and Sichuan Music. He has won many award certificates of commendation issued by Linxiang Municipal People's Government and Hunan Provincial People's Government and and contribution certificates of contribution certificates issued by Hunan Provincial Department of Education and Hunan Provincial Department of Human Resources and Social Security. " China Education Daily ", "Hunan Daily", "Teacher's Daily", "Music Education and Creation" and others have introduced them to "characters", book reviews and "people in the music scene". Their artistic achievements have been included in more than 20 historical volumes, including "Xixty Years of Hunan Literature and Art·Music Volume" (Provincial Federation of Literary and Art), "Catalogue of Chinese Musicians" (Deng Xiaoping's signature), "Chinese Expert Dictionary" (Division of Human Resources and Affairs).
