We started this little competition on Ash Thursday with 32 saints. After today's vote, the field will have been whittled down to 16 remaining saintly souls. But in order to get there we must first make it through the Battle of the Bands as Fanny Crosby faces G.F. Handel. Who will retain the last seat in the Saintly Sixteen before the music stops? Well, that, as always, is up to you.
Yesterday, in the tightest race of Lent Madness 2017, Sarah the Matriarch barely laughed away a valiant challenge from Elizabeth Ann Seton 51% to 49%. See, what have we been saying all along? Your vote counts!
Fanny Crosby
Fanny Crosby wrote more than eight thousand sacred texts in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Referred to as the Queen of Gospel Song Writers, she is arguably the most prolific author of American hymns and gospel songs.
Born in 1820 in Brewster, New York, Fanny caught a cold as an infant and developed inflammation in her eyes, which resulted in full-scale blindness. She would later remark, “It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow, I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.” Around her fifteenth birthday, Crosby enrolled at the New York Institution for the Blind, and she began to write hymns and gospel songs.
Crosby attended multiple churches, including an Episcopal church, but she is most closely identified with the Wesleyan Holiness movement. She formally joined Cornell Memorial Methodist Episcopal in 1887. Her hymn texts became so popular that composers of that era would seek her out to find lyrics for their melodies—a reversal of the typical hymn-writing process. Her best-known text, “Blessed Assurance,” was written in this way during a visit to Phoebe Knapp’s home after Crosby heard the tune for the first time.
Crosby described her hymn-writing process by saying, “It may seem a little old-fashioned, always to begin one’s work with prayer, but I never undertake a hymn without first asking the good Lord to be my inspiration.” Crosby could often write six or seven hymns a day, rivaling the output of prolific hymn writers Isaac Watts and Charles Wesley.
While known as a hymn-writer, Crosby was committed to helping others, often donating the proceeds from her writing to rescue missions around New York City. Known as “Aunt Fanny” by the numerous missions she contributed to around the city, she died in 1915. At her request, her tombstone reads: “Aunt Fanny: She hath done what she could; Fanny J. Crosby.”
Collect for Fanny Crosby
O God, the blessed assurance of all who trust in you: We give you thanks for your servant Fanny Crosby, and pray that we, inspired by her words and example, may rejoice to sing ever of your love, praising our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
G.F. Handel
George Frideric (or Frederick) Handel was born on February 23, 1685, in Halle, Germany. Handel showed a propensity for music at an early age. However, his father forbade him from dabbling in music, dreaming instead that his son would one day become a civil attorney. Handel did not listen. It is said that Handel (or his mother) smuggled a small clavichord into his room, and he practiced in secret.
On a visit to see his uncle (who was a valet for a duke), Handel surprised the duke with his skills on an organ. The duke persuaded Handel’s father to allow his son to continue studying music. Handel rapidly mastered the pipe organ, harpsichord, oboe, flute, and violin. That mastery led to a prolific writing life that included 42 operas, 29 oratorios, more than 100 cantatas, trios, duets, arias, chamber music, a large number of ecumenical pieces, odes and serenatas, and 16 organ concerti.
Handel initially struggled to establish himself, beginning his career as a church organist and writing pieces that are lost to the world today. Then he became a violinist, supplementing his income as a music teacher. His fame began to grow when he transitioned his main instruments to the organ and harpsichord. Following stints as a musician, he began a foray into composition. His first operatic debut, Almira, was wildly popular. Following two more operas in Hamburg, Handel became dissatisfied with the German music scene. He traveled to Italy and ultimately made his home in London.
He was commissioned to write an oratorio about the Bible, and in 1742, Handel’s Messiah debuted on the New Music Hall Stage in Dublin, Ireland. Often considered Handel’s most famous work, Messiah is frequently classified as Christmas music, out of a mistaken belief that it commemorates Christ’s birth. Messiah was in fact written as an ode to all of Christ’s life—annunciation, nativity, passion, and resurrection—proclaiming salvation for all who believe.
Handel died on April 14, 1759. At the time of his death, Handel was completely blind. His life was celebrated in a state funeral with full honors at Westminster Abbey. Handel is honored with a feast day in the Episcopal, Lutheran, and Methodist churches on July 28.
Collect for G.F. Handel
Almighty God, beautiful in majesty and majestic in holiness, you gave to your musician George Frederick Handel grace to show forth your glory in music: may we also be moved to sound out your praises as a foretaste of your eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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317 comments on “Fanny Crosby vs. G.F. Handel”
Major computer issue this morning! I tried to vote but cannot tell if it was registered as my little "wheely thing" just keeps going round and around! I do not want to be cast into utter darkness so, that said I did not try to vote a second time. I have tried to vote for Handel as I love singing and listening his music please know I have tried to be honest.
When I was 12 years old, my mother, a music teacher in public school, had saved up enough money to buy the best record-player available at the time, a Magnavox. To go with it, she bought a complete recording of Handel's "Messiah". We listened to it and sang along while doing housework on weekends, and played short selections at other times when we had time. As a result, I became familiar with the entire work, not just the main choruses and soprano solos. (She had taught me "Come Unto Him" at age 8, and I sang that at her funeral.) When I started seminary, I had to confess that I knew more from "Messiah" than directly from the Bible. As a lifelong Methodist, I don't understand the prohibition of "Alleluia" during Lent. It is my word of praise, comfort, inspiration, assurance, and joy in every season of the year and of life. I intend to have it sung at my funeral. For all this, and much more, I cast my vote for Handel.
I think we avoid using the word so that at the Great Vigil when we sing it again it means even more to us. You are right, it is a word of comfort and great joy.
And you can have whatever you like sung at your funeral in whatever season. I have a friend who intends to have "In the Bleak Midwinter" sung at hers even if it is August in southern California and 117 degrees outside.
They both lift me to the heights. But Fanny starts from the depths. Plus, everyone can sing her stuff. Aunt Fanny it is.
I had to vote for Handel this morning in honor of my aunt, Margaret A. Weber, of Toledo Ohio. Pianist, organist, composer, poet. She is responsible for my love of music in general and organ music in particular. I spent many hours with her, sitting on the organ bench learning to turn pages for her while watching hands and feet cover the keyboards.
Handel has received numerous honors for centuries, while Fanny Crosby remains virtually unknown outside of gospel song and church music circles. For that reason, I think she deserves our votes.
Sorry, Fanny. I'd love have my sight back. Hanhdle's music is far far better.
I began reading with the assumption that Handel would get my vote. But the description of Fanny's devotion to God was what won my vote to her.
I had to go with Handel because I had researched him prior to our community's annual Messiah Sing many Christmas seasons ago. I learned the breadth and depth of his musical accomplishments.
I had to go with Aunt Fanny. I love both their music, but in the post I was struck by Fanny's disability advocacy and pride-- that she wouldn't take sight if she were offered it. Since that's still a radical idea today, I had to go with her.
Hallelujah chorus by Handel makes this a no brainer for me.
Handel in honor of my father, the music teacher. Though my mother the Methodist loved many of the hymns I now realize Fanny penned.
As one whose soul has been stirred countless times by Messiah, and as a frequent visitor to the Handel House Museum in London (which I highly recommend as it co-exists with Jimi Hendrix's former flat), my vote goes to Handel.
I've been waiting for this contest ever since I saw it in the bracket, and I CANNOT BELIEVE that Fanny is beating Georgie Fred, even by a vanishingly slim margin! Speaking as an unrepentant musical snob, I could very well do without Crosby altogether and barely know any of her hymns (none of which occur in Hymnal 1982), but there are many passages from Isaiah that I cannot read without singing them to music from Messiah.
Amen to that.
I did comment earlier, but I just have join the ranks of those who have been blessed--or cursed--with an ear worm!
A quick story, if I may: after a service at the ecumenical Church of the Savior in DC, Paul Clasper of Grace Cathedral in SF and his wife and I were driving back to Virginia Seminary, singing some of the hymns from the service. As we crossed the bridge into Virginia, I remarked that we were probably the only Episcopalians in the world who could sing all the verses of "Blessed Assurance a cappella, by memory--and in harmony!
Probably. But I rather think that only Episcopalians even _would_ sing all the verses, a cappella, by memory, in harmony!
Going for Fanny. Handel's music is awesome, but he's had three centuries of superstardom. Love her choice of words for her tombstone. May we all be able to say that at our ends.
i grew up singing so many Fanny J Crosby songs in church that I couldnt not vote for her. As a musician and singer she is one of my favorite saints. Hard choice today-Handel also a favorite for me, but in the end went with Fanny in honor of songwriters everywhere.
I'm a long-time Fanny Crosby fan, so this was a "no brainer" for me. She knew Scripture so well that she had the ability to create a new text to fit a previously composed tune -- in effect writing the hymn backwards. I played some of her music in a sermon you can find at http://www.emmanuelbelair.org, at the bottom of the page.
I definitely agree that these two #1 seeds should not have been pitted against each other. Once again the Bracket Baron is laughing maniacally at our quandry. Two absolutely wonderful musicians, two blind people, two incredible servants of God and we have to choose between them. This was the most difficult choice so far. Handel's Messiah and the A-word chorus continues to make my spirit soar every time I hear it. Blessed Assurance brings comfort and peace to my heart. Had to go with soaring spirits but it was a tough choice. Handel...hands down.
Wow! Two people, greatly talented by God, who used their gifts to bring beauty and spirituality to others, and who were blind! (In Handel's case, later in life.) One who created melody, the other, lyrics! I've got to say: you guys really know how to match them up! I voted for Fanny; as soon as I started reading her, I loved her: her ability to find beauty everywhere although she could see it only with the eyes of her soul, her goodness to others, her great writing talent. In my Lutheran Church we sing a lot, and Blessed Assurance is one of my favorites! So many of us complain about little things; here is a blind woman who did so much good and lived with joy. I'm totally rooting for her to win the Golden Halo! I deeply respect Handel too; his determination to learn to play an instrument, and The Messiah is Awesome!
While I admire Ms. Crosby's deep love of God and prodigious output of lyrics, I just had to vote for Mr. Handel. Too many years of singing and playing and listening to his glorious music.
Now if Fanny had written lyrics to George's tunes....
Far from complaining, I congratulate the SEC on pitting these two musicians against each other in the first round. This way we will definitely have a musician in the Saintly 16. Look at what happened to Cecilia.
I was torn with this one. How does one vote against the composer of the Hallelujah Chorus? At the same time, Crosby's faith was unquestionable. This was a tough one.
I voted for Handel for one reason: Messiah has brought many church choirs and musicians together to sing for the community of which our church was also invited to participate...and was one performance I know my Mother enjoyed immensely...
Grew up in the Baptist church singing Fanny Crosby hymns. The "Messiah" composer was hard to pass up, but I went with Blessed Assurance!
I love Handel's Messiah, but Fanny's story and her positivity win out. Her epitaph certainly would have broken the tie had there been one.(I should also disclose that I come from a Wesleyan Holiness background myself, so Fanny's kind of a superhero of the denomination.)
It never occurred to me that I would vote for Fanny Crosby today. As far as the music goes, I give it to Handel hands down. But, I was inspired to read more of Fanny's life. She was an amazing woman and lived out a clear Christian imperative, serving the marginalized of her time. Her story inspires me this morning.
We sing her in our Baptist church nearly every week. Wonderful, inspirational and each one totally unique in style. Happy and uplifting. And I grew up in the town next to Brewster! Amazing what she accomplished, especially when considering her era.
[…] I settled in to the office this morning after chapel, I opened today’s Lent Madness match up, which has, of all people, Fanny Crosby! going up against George Frideric Handel, who […]
You do not make it easy! But Hallelujah!! often rings out with life's victories and reminders of God's goodness.
You don't make it easy. But HALLELUJAH often rings out in my mind when I am reminded of God's goodness to me.
Again, it's not fair to pit these two against each other. I almost didn't vote, but remember being deeply moved by the Messiah over my life time.