A Review: Handel's Messiah Rocks

Handel's Messiah Rocks, starring MiG Ayesa, LaChanze and J. Robert Spencer, is being shown on PBS stations across the U.S., and viewers are in for a ground-breaking experience. The production infuses a newfound passion and emotion into George Friderich Handel's timeless oratorio, Messiah, that will captivate people of all ages. After having seen Messiah twice, I can attest that the creators and performers pay the utmost respect to the classic work and retain its essence, yet add new layers that enrich it.

Handel's Messiah Rocks is professional in every way. The powerful trio of stars, MiG Ayesa, LaChanze and J. Robert Spencer, deliver in every piece, and make you yearn for more. MiG Ayesa demonstrates an impressive range, a beautiful voice, and a stunning ability to convey emotion. LaChanze combines gorgeous vocals and stage presence, and Spencer displays a strong voice and an edge that adds drama.

Keith Lockhart and members of the Boston Pops are in prime form, and the ultra-talented rock band blends seamlessly with the orchestra and singers. The camera work in the video is artistic and interesting, and the lighting enhances the show's appeal. The adult and children's choirs provide a lovely touch.

Handel's Messiah Rocks features an ideal pairing of artist with mood and musical style. LaChanze radiates a joy in her singing, especially with the triumphant and uplifting He'll Come In Glory, and the smooth as honey How Beautiful. J. Robert Spencer raises the intensity level in He Is Fire, joining the soaring electric guitars to make an impact. He follows it up with a powerful He Was Despised that shakes one to the core.

MiG Ayesa reveals an impressive versatility. In the stellar and emotion-packed Behold the Lamb of God, Ayesa brings forth an exceptional voice and holds notes for lengthy periods as cascading children's voices join in. The piece surrounds and takes one's breath away, and Ayesa's ability to reach deep inside and express that feeling in his performance is amazing. He lets loose in King of Glory, unveiling a license to rock and raising audience participation to a peak before bringing the house down. If I had to choose one favorite in Handel's Messiah Rocks, it's King of Glory. More than any other song, it honors, connects, and celebrates Messiah's message of joy.

The wondrous voices of Ayesa, Spencer and LaChanze stand on their own, and also sound divine together. Their harmony provided an irresistible dimension, particularly with Ayesa and Spencer in Rejoice Reprise, and Ayesa and LaChanze in He Trusted You.

Handel's Messiah Rocks will embark on a U.S. nationwide tour in 2010, and it's well worth the price of admission. For at-home viewers, the Handel's Messiah Rocks DVD provides an excellent value. It features bonus interviews with Keith Lockhart, MiG Ayesa, LaChanze and J. Robert Spencer as well as behind-the-scenes footage. The DVD and CD will be released on Sony Classical and Integrity Music on October 6, 2009. I'm thrilled to have the DVD so I can watch it multiple times before the release date. Some local PBS stations will be scheduling an airdate for Handel's Messiah Rocks if they receive requests.

Handel's Messiah Rocks makes a lasting impression. The gifted creators and artists have given us a tremendous musical work. It has the potential to unite people of all ages, reminding us that even though we hold different viewpoints, our core beliefs may be very much the same.

Kay
Team MiG Global