Exalting Every Valley with Charles King

7 snips

Dec 10, 2024

In this insightful discussion, Charles King, a New York Times bestselling author and historian at Georgetown University, dives into the transformative power of Handel's Messiah. He reflects on finding hope amidst turmoil, drawing parallels between historic and contemporary struggles. King explores the connection between healing, community, and faith, while sharing poignant stories of redemption through music. He also highlights the philanthropic efforts tied to Handel's work and celebrates the enduring cultural significance of this timeless oratorio.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

King's Inspiration

Charles King, worried about the world in 2020, found solace in Handel's Messiah.
This emotional experience inspired him to research and write a book about the piece.

INSIGHT

Handel's Turbulent Times

Handel's time, like today, was marked by political division, societal anxieties, and high infant mortality.
Despite this, the era produced powerful music about hope, reflecting a deep yearning for a better world.

ANECDOTE

Jennens' Struggle and Faith

Charles Jennens, the librettist, compiled Messiah's text from scripture to cope with depression.
His arrangement reflects a personal journey through faith, not a chronological or biblical order.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

How much do you know about Handel’s Messiah?

Find us on Youtube.

It’s easy to become anxious and worried as we see war and conflict increase. However, it is precisely in these moments, says historian Charles King, that true faith can find its voice. Reflecting on geopolitics, domestic polarization, and the quest for hope in the midst of suffering, King—New York Times bestselling author of Every Valley: The Desperate Lives and Troubled Times That Made Handel’s Messiah—sits down with Clarissa Moll for a conversation about holding on to faith when life feels darkest.

GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN:

Music in this episode is courtesy of Calvin University’s 2021 Messiah production. Watch it here.
Grab some Bulletin merch in our holiday store!
Follow the show in your podcast app of choice.
Find us on YouTube.
Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice.
Leave a comment in Spotify with your feedback on the discussion—we may even respond!

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Charles King is the author of the New York Times–bestselling Gods of the Upper Air, which received the Francis Parkman Prize and the Anisfield-Wolf Award and was shortlisted for the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Los Angeles Times History Prize, and the British Academy’s Al-Rodhan Prize for Global Cultural Understanding. His other books include Odessa, winner of a National Jewish Book Award, and Midnight at the Pera Palace.

He is professor of international affairs and government at Georgetown University, where he has served as chair of both the department of government and the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service.

ABOUT THE BULLETIN:

The Bulletin is a weekly (and sometimes more!) current events show from Christianity Today hosted and moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today’s editor in chief) and Mike Cosper (director, CT Media). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices