Handel's MessiahNo. 9 (bar 107-138)Handel's Messiah is an impressive composition from the Baroque era; rich in history, deep in meaning, and intensely intimidating when asked to dig deep into its inner workings. When I first received this assignment, I was overwhelmed by what I was being asked to do. But after analyzing and critiquing the melody, adding figured bass symbols, macro-analyzing the chords, adding Roman numerals, and commenting on the voice leading the chords moving into root position, I feel like I didn't do anything only scratch the surface of everything Handel has put into it. in the Messiah. In this article I will discuss and critique the melody, address the effect of consonant and dissonant sounds, comment on the unusual movement between root position chords, and observe the aesthetic effect of what Handel did with this part of Messiah. melody, which I assumed was the vocal parts, the first thing I noticed was that in the soprano part there is a jump from an A3 to a D4, followed by an E4. This is interesting, because according to the principles of vocal leading, a melodic interval larger than a perfect fourth, which is what we have from A to D, must be approached and left in the direction opposite to the jump or must trace a triad. Rather, we have a continuation upwards, without sketching a triad. This happens in the tenor part of measure 114, again in the bass part at the end of measure 119 until measure 120, and one last time, still in the bass part, with an octave jump. Handel breaks this rule as well as that of repeated figures of three or more tones. This can be found in measures 117 to 118 in tenor and alto, ...... middle of article ...... like. In this article I have outlined my critique of melody, the exciting effect that consonance and dissonance have, strange movement between chords in root position, and how I perceive the overall difference at this part of the work of Handel. Overall, this assignment made me realize how important it is to know theory in order to fully understand the musicality of a composition. Music is not just about sound, although this plays a colossal role. Fully understanding a composition requires patience, a positive outlook, and the desire to take the time to grasp all the hidden meanings behind the chord structures, note sequences, and chosen lyrics. This assignment taught me to take what I learned in class and apply it in reality. Everything I learned this semester was put to the test and hopefully met the challenge..