Highly recommend the docudrama "Handel's Messiah" and film "Silent Night"

cimeranrose · ‎03-10-2010

Wonderful films based on true stories made by BYUTV. I get BYU TV on my roku but you can also find it on your computer at BYUTVdotcom. Click on "shows" and then scroll til you find the movie. Here is a brief description of each:

1. "Handel's Messiah" - it's about 1 hour 17 minutes and it's the backstory of composer George Handel and his journey towards composing his crowning piece "Handel's Messiah." (Charles Jennens, who wrote the text for Handel's Messiah, was a fan of Handel. He gave his text to Handel who wrote the composition in an amazing 24 days).

By 1738 Handel had nothing - he was living hand to mouth. Handel received an invitation to Dublin Ireland where they needed performers for their new concert hall. Handel went there and performed his "Messiah." George Handel and his performers gave their services for free and decided to perform "Messiah" as a benefit to provide relief for inmates of a debtors prison in England. 152 debtors were freed by the proceeds from Handel's benefit performance of "Messiah." My favorite part of the movie is when they show the debtors coming out of the debtors prison into the arms of their loved ones. How wonderfully symbolic! The film was shot in Germany, Italy and England and narrated by Jane Seymour. I have watched this a few times - it is so well done.

2. "Silent Night" - is the inspiring story behind the creation of the most popular Christmas carol of all time, Silent Night. Joseph Mohr was an Austrian Catholic priest who wrote the words to Silent Night. We discover how Joseph Mohr, as a new assistant priest, went against his superior to organize a church choir full of outcasts that perform in German instead of Latin. Before Christmas Eve, Mohr brought the words to Silent Night to Franz Gruber (a schoolmaster and organist) and asked him to compose a melody for the Christmas Eve Mass. Together they perform the new Carol during the mass on December 24.

Wonderful movies to watch anytime of the year, but especially this time of the year. These movies are not only informative and interesting but inspiring - they make you feel good.

Oznell · ‎11-08-2014

How perfect for the season, and how interesting! Thanks, @cimeranrose!

cimeranrose · ‎03-10-2010

You're welcome @Oznell! Some parts in the beginning or middle may seem a little slow at times, but it's one of those movies that by the end you're glad you watched it. And the music/singing interspersed throughout the movie is beautiful.