Since By Man Came Death is the first chorus found in Part III of Messiah.  Charles Jennons, the librettist of Messiah, titled Part III "A Hymn of Thanksgiving for the final overthrow of Death."  The bulk of text comprising Part III comes from just one chapter of the Bible, I Corinthians 15.  Since By Man is from verses 21-22 which tells us that as by one man, Adam, sin entered into the world and condemned mankind to death, so by one man, Jesus Christ, shall all be redeemed and made alive.  Handel sets the first sobering part of the verse, "Since by man came death," to a stunning and hauntingly beautiful a 

cappella chorale. This is the only a cappella part in all of Messiah!  The mood suddenly changes as the chorus continues with great joy, and with full orchestral accompaniment, "Even so in Christ, shall all be made alive!"

Audio Practice Files

Soprano Prominent:

Alto Prominent:

Tenor Prominent:

Bass Prominent:

Take it to the next level!  See if you can sing your part without it played prominently! All parts played equally: