The Messiah - Handel

[Theunicornhunter 2]

A little background on a Christmas favorite

 

Although it is popular to perform the work at Christmas, Handel's original performances were at Easter. Of all the chorals which perform The Messiah, it is believed that the only choral society exclusively devoted to only its performance is The Messiah Choral Society of Orlando, Florida.

 

It is said that while writing The Messiah, Handel litteraly saw visions of the subject about which he was writing; and, while composing the Hallelujah chorus, he "saw Heaven opened and the host of it worshipping the Glory of God". When listening to his music, and hearing the lyrics of the various portions of The Messiah, one can truly believe Handel was thus honored.

 

Occasionally people will ask why the audience stands during the presentation of "The Hallelujah Chorus". This custom gets its origin from the first presentation before King George II of England who stood to his feet during that breath-taking selection.  Since no one remains seated when a king stands, the audience at that presentation also stood.  And, they fully understood the King's reason for standing: NO ONE (EVEN A POWERFUL EARTHLY MONARCH) SITS IN THE PRESENCE OF THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS to whom (in perhaps the not too distant future) "every knee shall bow".

 

Reference

The World's greatest composer

[mj 7]

 

Occasionally people will ask why the audience stands during the presentation of "The Hallelujah Chorus". This custom gets its origin from the first presentation before King George II of England who stood to his feet during that breath-taking selection.  Since no one remains seated when a king stands, the audience at that presentation also stood.  And, they fully understood the King's reason for standing: NO ONE (EVEN A POWERFUL EARTHLY MONARCH) SITS IN THE PRESENCE OF THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS to whom (in perhaps the not too distant future) "every knee shall bow".

 

Amen.