Special Christmas Edition: Inspiration & Innovation

I wanted to reflect on the holidays and what they mean for me this year. I'll touch on some faith-related topics in this article. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I hope I can relate this article to most of you, and please believe that I'm just trying to share something positive and not imposing my beliefs on you. But if you decide not to read, you still have my best wishes for the holidays and for 2023.

I was able to witness a creative renaissance in my life in 2022 somehow. The fact that you’re reading this newsletter proves it, and I don’t take it for granted. So, once again, thanks for being here. I might sound amateurish, but knowing that you’re there, furthermore, knowing what you found helpful in my articles is simply invigorating and encouraging.?

Curiously, it has been a trying (even traumatic) year for me, mi gente. Not too long ago I gave a presentation in the Big Mountain Dev & Data Summit in Sandy, UT, in which I proposed that defining moments in life can be the catalyst to establish new connections and therefore cause a surge of innovation in one’s life or organization.

Today I’d like to tell you about a historic work that demonstrates this to perfection.

Handel's "The Messiah" Oratorio

George Frideric Handel was a German musician who had established in England since 1710 and was no stranger to nobility and the highest English elites of the time. He had been notorious for performing for King George I, with Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks being the most prominent works, along with several operas during that period.

But by 1741, Handel was experiencing a deep creative rut and disillusionment. And whatever drove him to create famous operas and hobnob with royalty before wasn't there anymore.

I’m no Handel, but this reminded me after having worked at the United Nations among many distinguished world leaders, only being able to find construction work in New Jersey in 2007. It also reminded me of the funk I’d been feeling earlier this year. Not a fun place to be.?

It was 1741 when a patron of the arts named Charles Jennens came to him with a libretto he’d written heavily based on biblical texts. It wouldn’t be the first time Handel would be tasked to compose a religious piece. But this time the text wasn’t confined to specific scene of the bible. This libretto would make constant reference to the coming of Jesus Christ, with text from both the Old AND the New Testament in the Bible.?

In previous articles I’ve said that inspiration is a thing, and when it comes, it does it momentarily. It’s simply ephemeral, and that’s why we need to act on it on the spot. Good old George felt the light coming back to his soul when Jennens came with the libretto. He was so filled with inspiration that he was thought to be mad or possessed because of the furious and uninterrupted way he started to compose. In a matter of 24 days the oratorio known as “The Messiah” was finished.

By the winter of 1741-42, at the venue after an invitation from the Duke of Devonshire, a series of concerts were lined up for Handel to be performed in Dublin. Simultaneously, arrangements were made for three debt-relief charities to benefit from them (debtors’ prison was a thing, and apparently, a pervasive one).?Handel, along with the other concert organizers, wanted to establish a deeper human connection.

On April 19th, 1742, in the Neal Musick Hall, at Fishamble Street in Dublin, a crowd of about 700 people gathered to listen to the premiere of a music work that has endured for more than 250 years.?In what I believed was a demonstration of both innovation and inspiration, Handel composed a sacred piece that would use the same dramatic effects and dynamics of most of his previous works. A work that would rivet the listeners by reflecting on the fragile human condition while elevating the same through a Savior, the Christ, the long-expected and prophesied Messiah. By the way, later on, it won the condemnation of Westminster’s Abbey because the mention of Jesus Christ in a setting other than a church was considered blasphemous.

Simplicity & Innovation

Please, allow me to geek out a little longer on this oratorio (hey, I didn’t study 12 years of music theory in Venezuela for nothing, bear with me). Unlike a great chunk of J.S. Bach’s works, Handel’s Messiah isn’t rich in complexity (if you ever want to get into a complex Baroque vibe, check out Bach’s Musical Offering).?

In fact, the simplicity shown in The Messiah is what makes it a masterpiece. Handel wrote it originally for a very limited number of musicians. In a way, just like many other innovators, Handel was working with what he had at the moment (the revisions came later). It’s the brilliant use of a few elements displayed in a mesmerizing, moving and memorable way (see what I did there?).?In fact, regarding the reaction he expected from the public he stated:

"I should be sorry if I only entertained them. I wish to make them better".

The piece starts with a heavy instrumental introduction ("heavy" as a in solemn, not as an Iron Maiden kind of way) in a B minor key that reflected pain and agony. It was followed by bright, calm and reassuring Aria in E major, in which a tenor opens with the sung words of Isaiah: “Comfort Ye, My People”.?

Can you imagine going to the theater with a heavy soul and full of pain, to then be met with a heavenly and reassuring voice welcoming you??Beautiful, isn't it?

Well, that's not the voice you'll hear in the video below, as I was fighting a cold.

Innovation Lessons from Handel's Messiah

Again, I'm no Handel, but if it's OK with you, I'd love to share as a Christmas gift some of the lessons I can apply in order to adopt more innovation in our lives.

Steady As She Goes

You might be going through a rough moment, just like good old George was. You might have had brilliant moments in the past that don't reflect where you are right now. You might be experiencing a proverbial funk. If any of these are the case, know that you've been given enough creativity to withstand the storm and to navigate through the reefs, just hold on a little longer, you got this.

Be Open to New Connections

Just like Charles Jennens showed up in the picture for Handel, people might hold potential opportunities. I suggest not waiting for them to come to you. When you're ready, go ahead and start networking. There are people out there who want to work and create new opportunities for and with you.

Work With What You've Got

When facing the need to engage in creative endeavors, it might be easy to wonder towards greener pastures. In other words, seeing ideal solutions in new tech, new complex processes, flashy products, loud gurus, etc. But if your team has to come up with solutions, products, processes, works of art, content etc., a good place to start is the resources that are already in your reach. In fact, if one was to apply the Ockham Razor's principle, striving for simplicity by using current resources, will most likely bring optimal solutions.

Do Things Differently, Take Calculated Risks

Sometimes the only way to get out of a funk is to do what has not been done before (you know, the whole Star Trek approach to boldly go). Assess your own assets and how much skin you can put in the game. Take a deep breath and GO FOR IT!

Aim Higher

Not everything has to be about you and your own success. See where you can make a difference. Let that motivate you and move you forward. By doing that you'll inspire others. Believe me, others will follow, be ready for it. WELCOME TO LEADERSHIP!!!

So, Mi Gente, I hope this article motivates you to enter the new year with a good wind. Share with us what is moving you forward towards 2023. C'mon, INSPIRE US!!!

????FELIZ NAVIDAD Y PRóSPERO A?O NUEVO!!!!