By Ashley McKell
People recognize the words from Frederick Handel''s Messiah, 'For unto us, a child is born, unto us a son is given,' but in honor of Passover, Classical 89 will broadcast one of Handel''s lesser-known oratorios.
At 2 p.m. on Sunday, Classical 89 will air Handel''s 'Israel in Egypt' on 89.1 FM, 89.5 FM and online at www.classical89.org/streaming.
The oratorio, a musical composition usually made up from a religious text or theme, covers the words from Exodus, Psalms and other scripture that are Moses'' song of praise. The Leeds (England) Festival Chorus and English Chamber Orchestra will perform the work with Sir Charles Mackerras conducting.
'We always have a Jewish produced show that honors Passover from our music library,' said Christine Nokleby, marketing coordinator at Classical 89.
Reg Pontius, radio voice at Classical 89, will host this year''s Passover broadcast.
'This is one of the great choral masterpieces,' Pontius said. 'The channels to hear this performance are limited because it is not as well known as ''The Messiah.'' '
Passover celebrates the deliverance of the Israelites from captivity in Egypt. It symbolizes the importance of the lamb''s blood on doors of the faithful so when the angel of death came it would 'pass over' those homes. If a home did not have the blood of a lamb on the door the first-born would be killed.
Now Jews and other religions remember their deliverance with food items such as unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
Victor Ludlow, professor of ancient scripture, has studied these practices in-depth.
'The Passover involves both Old and New Testament roots,' Ludlow said. 'It is a type of thing that has evolved over centuries.'
Ludlow told about the Seder, 14 prescribed steps that are correlated with the last supper. Every spring, Ludlow provides a program that students and families can participate in to gain a better appreciation and understanding for the Passover. He also gives advice for the LDS culture to understand the importance of Passover and how it is connected with the sacrament.
'As LDS members, we believe that Christ was delivered from hell,' Ludlow said. 'The sacrament hymn takes us from Provo to Jerusalem. We are then connected with Gethsemane, which puts us in a different historical context.'
Ludlow suggests learning about Passover by studying the elements involved and participating in Easter-related activities as ways to appreciate the season.