And He Shall Purify

For many Nigerian choirs, tackling G.F. Handel’s choruses is a rite of passage, and "And He Shall Purify" is a true staple for the Advent season and end-of-year classical concerts. Drawn from the book of Malachi, the text speaks of the Lord coming like a refiner’s fire. Handel captures this intense, active preparation by giving the voices fast, running melismas that weave and overlap across the choir loft.

Singing this piece is a serious vocal workout. The sopranos and other parts must navigate those long, moving runs on the word "purify" with absolute precision and breath control. It takes weeks of careful rehearsal to get the notes crisp and light. But the real reward comes when those swirling lines suddenly resolve into the bold, grounded chords of "that they may offer unto the Lord." The contrast is striking, shifting from a feeling of intense, active scrubbing to a moment of solid, unified strength.

When a congregation hears this chorus, they are not just listening to a technical exercise. The music physically enacts the spiritual work of Advent—the challenging, sometimes exhausting process of making our hearts ready. It is a vigorous prayer for renewal, reminding everyone present that true preparation requires both effort and grace.