A New Game, Remember This Verse? Just Name The Refrain.

[john]

Sorry Paul, thought you were away, you got yours in first.

[paul jh]

That's okay John. We can have dueling guessing!

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Well John we have a video with Elvis singing this one , "If Every Day Could Be Christmas."

[Lena & Harry Smith]

Paul is this a carol or a scripture that we should be guessing.?? The only ones that we can think of perhaps relating to this is "Unto Us A Child Is Born King Of All Creation" or "What Child Is This that laid to rest "

[paul jh]

It is the recitative to an aria in a very famous oratorio. I consider a recitative to be very similar to an opening verse.

[paul jh]

I thought Jon or Thomas would know my opening verse. Here are two more clues. It's from Handel's Messiah and is sung by a contralto or countertenor.

[mariana44]

Hi Paul--is this the one

"While shepherds watched their flocks by night"??

[paul jh]

Sorry, Marian, it's not that one.

Actually I think you mean the lovely "He Shall Feed His Flock". He's not that one either.

[Marian]

Is it, OH COME OH COME EMMANUEL? Paul..

Marian

[Marian]

Had another thought Paul, as you say it's from Handel's Messiah, could it be JESU JOY OF MAN'S DESIRING ??

Marian.

[paul jh]

No, Marian, neither of those hymns were written by Handel.

I guess Jack Jones never recorded Handel's Messiah.

[Marian]

No Paul, but Peter and I sang in the chorus of Handel's Messiah a few years ago.

Marian.

[paul jh]

Then you should definitely know this song from the Messiah, Marian. The contralto sings the aria and then the chorus comes in at the end for a repeat of the chorus. It's beautiful ... I'm getting chills just thinking of it.

[Terence Lee]

O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings To Zion.

[paul jh]

Finally! Very good, Terrence. And welcome back! We missed you at the forum. I trust you had a nice time in Hong Kong. If you get a chance, please let us know about any treasures you found at the many HMVs.