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 George Frideric Handel's Messiah remains the greatest oratorio of all time, and most famous for Lent and Christmas.
Handel's oratorio Messiah, a fixture music for Christmas and Easter most especially the extremely famous "Hallelujah Chorus," is in fact not originally created by Handel for Christmas, but for Lent. It was premiered on April 13, 1742, the Tuesday before Easter, in a small theater in Dublin, Ireland.
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Starting in 1745, the performance of Messiah became a yearly event in Dublin during Holy week. It was only in the 19th century when it crossed over the Atlantic that performances of the oratorio became associated with the Christmas season.
The tradition of standing during the Hallelujah Chorus began on March 23, 1743, with King George II in attendance. When the "Hallelujah Chorus" began, the king rose. It is unclear why he did. He may have been stretching his legs. It is also possible that King George, who was partially deaf, mistook the opening notes for the national anthem, or he may have risen to his feet out of respect.
No one really knows why King George II stood but we do know that people around the world still rise to their feet often misty-eyed, full of adoration, respect and praises to God, whenever the first notes of the Hallelujah Chorus is heard. The magnificence of Handel's music simply overpowers.
Today, the Hallelujah Chorus is most popular as a piece of music for both Easter and Christmas.
Read more... Handel's Oratorio Messiah
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