Worthy is the Lamb that was slain

"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain" is the magnificent final chorus of G.F. Handel's Messiah, a piece that holds a special place in the repertoire of many Nigerian Catholic and classical choirs. It is a song of ultimate triumph and heavenly worship, drawing its text directly from the Book of Revelation. Choirs often bring this out for the grandest occasions of the liturgical year, especially during the Easter season, Christ the King Sunday, or major choral concerts where a powerful, majestic sound is needed.

Singing this chorus is a thrilling experience for any choir. It opens with a broad, solemn "Largo" that demands full, supported voices to declare the worthiness of the Lamb. From there, it moves into a lively, intricate exchange of parts as the voices list the gifts of "power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength." The music builds layer upon layer, especially when the choir reaches the sweeping "Larghetto" section, singing "Blessing and honour, glory and pow'r."

For the congregation, hearing this piece is like catching a glimpse of the heavenly liturgy. The sheer scale of the harmony and the relentless, joyful repetition of "for ever and ever" at the end leave a lasting impact. It requires serious rehearsal to master the timing and the contrapuntal entries, but when a choir finally brings it all together, it lifts the entire church in a massive wave of praise.