Handel's Last Chance
From Devine Entertainment Specials · 1996
52 min3rd4th5th6thMusicSocial Studies
Summary
Set in 1742 Dublin, this drama follows James, a street kid enrolled by his mother in a strict upper-crust school, who is chosen as a principal choirboy for George Frideric Handel's new oratorio, Messiah. James befriends the composer — whose own reputation has hit a low point — and when the boy is falsely accused of wrongdoing, Handel comes to his defense. Features music from Messiah, the Royal Fireworks Music, and Water Music.
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Ages 7+
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A Dublin street boy becomes a choirboy for Handel's most famous work, Messiah.
- What is a choir? What might it feel like to sing in one for the very first time?
- Both Handel and James were having a hard time when the story begins. How did they help each other?
- How does big choral music, like Messiah, sound different from one person singing alone?
- When has a friend stood up for you, or you stood up for a friend?
Quick work-a-long
Words to know: oratorio, choir, choirboy, premiere
- Listen for a moment when many voices sing together. Describe how it sounds compared to one voice.
- James got a "last chance" to prove himself. Write one sentence about a time you got a second chance.