(Part II,
Messiah)
Text from Psalm 2:1–2 (King
James Version):
Why do the nations so furiously rage together,
and why do the people imagine a vain thing?
The kings of the earth rise up,
and the rulers take counsel together
against the Lord, and against His anointed.
This aria is written for bass (or bass-baritone) solo.
It appears in Part II, during the section on Christ’s rejection, suffering, and crucifixion.
It follows the chorus “He Trusted in God” and precedes the aria “Thou Shalt Break Them.”
Dramatically, it portrays the defiance of humanity against God, setting the stage for divine judgment.
Tempo & Meter: Allegro in common time (4/4), giving a martial, aggressive drive.
Key: Often in D minor in most editions — a key associated with seriousness and intensity in Baroque music.
Texture: Driven by rapid, agitated string accompaniment (often sixteenth-note motion), creating a restless, almost seething backdrop.
Form: Da capo aria (ABA′), with the opening rage motif returning after a contrasting middle section.
“Why do the nations so furiously rage together” —
Wide, forceful leaps in the vocal line depict anger and agitation.
Repetition of the word “furiously” on long melismas heightens the sense of unrestrained emotion.
“Imagine a vain thing” — the melody turns more mocking, often with lighter rhythmic treatment to suggest scorn for their foolishness.
Middle section (“The kings of the earth rise up…”) —
Slightly more measured but still intense; the rhythm mimics the plotting of rulers.
Sequential phrases and rising intervals reflect “rise up.”
Orchestration emphasizes contrast: strings churn with constant motion, bass voice declaims with authority.
This aria is an outburst of human rebellion set against the divine plan.
In Messiah’s narrative, it reveals the futility of opposing God, which is musically resolved in the next number (“Thou Shalt Break Them”), where God’s power is proclaimed.
The choice of a bass voice gives the passage a judicial weight, as though announcing the indictment of the nations.
Demands vocal agility despite the weight of the bass register — rapid runs on “furiously” and “imagine” require clarity.
Needs a balance between dramatic declamation and precise articulation, so that the anger feels controlled yet intense.
The continuo and strings must maintain relentless energy to keep the sense of barely contained rage.