Part 1, scene iv, nos. 16-17 Recitative and Chorus: Luke 2:13-14
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.
The final two movements of this scene contain so much joy and excitement. The accompanied recitative, always saved for more dramatic moments, begins with a flurry of sixteenth notes in the high strings, almost like the rhythmic beating of angel wings, creating a shimmering effect.
The angel chorus breaks in with “Glory to God in the highest” sung only by the three highest voices of the choir – the earthbound basses are omitted. Heaven sings, and earth replies. The low voices and strings join on a unison “and peace on earth” and for a moment the fluttering of wings stops. Then the angels can’t stand the pause and pick up again. “Glory to God” and once more earth replies in unison. Then we get a small fugal passage where the good news is passed from one voice to another.
This is followed by another statement of “Glory to God…” but this time heaven and earth join together while the strings flutter their wings. When we next hear “and peace on earth” it is no longer in unison but delivered in rich chordal harmony. There is one more short fugal passage while “goodwill…” is passed between heaven and earth, and then we hear the angels depart back into heaven and are gone in a quiet twinkle.
Sometimes no commentary is needed because the music speaks for itself.
