It was Close to the “Holidays”
The city of Frankfurt/ Germany is divided into areas or districts. The story comes from an evening close to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the “Alte Roemer” the old Roman district. Frankfurt’s tourist attraction from Roman times with the most striking cathedral, the Paulus Cathedral, art shops with works from local artists, and the most interesting and beautiful buildings with old timber architecture and artwork on the facades. The cathedral was the vocal point for us, my sister Friedl, her husband Georg, my Hal and me. A performance of a Christmas concert. The orchestra, performing the fascinating music to captivate the audience with Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart and Handel’s works. It should be touching, and give us all the guidance into the holy, and mystical Christmas holidays. These concerts, full of the meaning of Christmas always touch one far more, when performed in a church or cathedral, than on stage, in an opera house or a music hall. It is so very inspiring and for me brings out the tears.
We enjoyed the intermission with a glass of wine, conversation and our critique on the music so far. Everyone enjoyed this lovely and powerful music.
The second part of the concert brought us a wonderful surprise. We knew we would hear part of the Messiah, hopefully the Hallelujah chorus, but were astounded and surprised by the most beautiful Roman garments on the performers of the chorus. It reminded me of, many years before, when I saw “Aida.” This choir, dressed in these beautiful garments on stage in front of the large, awesome leaded and stained window as backdrop was mesmerizing and gave me goosebumps. The finale started and could not have been a better choice. “The Hallelujah Chorus from the Messiah by G.F. Handel. One felt refreshed, cleansed, free and in awe.
We called for a taxi and told the driver: “Home, Darmstadt, please.” It is a 45-minute drive to Darmstadt, Friedl’s and Georg’s home. There was silence in the cab, there was thought in every one’s heart and mind.
O, Heilige Nacht
Oh, Holy Night
I can imagine the beautiful music and Roman costumes in the old cathedral, and the effect it had on Ilona and her family, lasting through the long ride home. I quite agree, that the effect of the music is very different, in a church compared to stage, and I too have been moved to tears by a performance of the Messiah in church. Thank you Ilona and Marcie, for sharing another wonderful story.
You transport Christmas in December to Christmas memories for March. What a beautiful and evocative little story. There is something magical about Christmas music that transports the soul. Handel’s Messiah never gets old, nor does it disappoint. Against a background of colorful surroundings and people dressed in their festive best for the holidays, this tale communicates the mood of the season. Thanks for the memory — as Bob Hope used to say.