When I was in 8th grade we sang the Hallelujah Chorus.  I wonder how now as I listen to the range required.  

I was inspired to listen when I learned in Writer’s Almanac that today is Handel’s birthday.

It’s the birthday of composer George Handel, who wrote the great oratorio Messiah, born in Halle, Germany (1685).

In 1741, he was asked to do a benefit in Dublin. He decided to write a new oratorio for the performance, and he worked on it zealously, often neglecting to eat or sleep. In 25 days, he’d created the score for the Messiah, which was composed of 50 separate pieces. When he was finished he said, “I think God has visited me.”

You can listen and then view pictures I took yesterday from the overlook in Muir Beach and further down.  Music, Nature, Inspired!