Music Homework Help 2

Let's explore ideas of polyphonic and homophonic textures in Handels epic oratorio The Messiah.  First, listen to For unto Us a Child Is Born.  Notice how the first lines are sung in polyphony.  Then, there's a moment where the polyphonic texture stops and the choirs sings (loudly) in unison.  What line is it they sing?  Why is this line emphasized?

Now, listen to the famed Hallelujah Chorus.  This movement works different from the last.  Most of the time a line of text will be introduced in unison by the choir, then developed through polyphony.  Can you come up with any reasons as to why you think Handel wrote in this style, and if it is effective?

Please do it carefully and use some professional knowledge if you can.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAW7kcEb6LE (For unto Us a Child is Born)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usfiAsWR4qU  (Hallelujah)