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George Frederic Handel's
Messiah and Hallelujah Chorus |  |
Handel conceived the idea of writing the Messiah in
1741. Towards the end of this year he was invited to visit Ireland
to make known some of his works. On the way there he was detained at
Chester for several days by contrary winds. He must have had the score
of the Messiah with him, for he got together some choir boys to try
over a few of the choral parts. "Can you sing at sight?" was put to
each boy before he was asked to sing. One broke down at the start.
"What de devil you mean!" cried the impetuous composer, snatching the
music from him. "Didn't you say you could sing at sight?"
"Yes sir, but not at first sight."
The people of Dublin warmly welcomed Handel, and the new oratorio,
the Messiah, was performed at Music Hall, with choirs of both
cathedrals, and with some concertos on the organ played by the
composer. The performance took place, April 13, 1742. Four hundred
pounds were realized, which were given to charity. The success was so
great that a second performance was announced. Ladies were requested
to come without crinoline, thereby providing a hundred more seats than
at the first event.
The Irish people were so cordial, that the composer remained almost
a year among them. For it was not till March 23, 1743, that the
Messiah was performed in London. The King was one of the great
audience who heard it. All were so deeply impressed by the Hallelujah
chorus, that with the opening words, "For the Lord God omnipotent
reigneth," the whole audience, including the King, sprang to their
feet, and remained standing through the entire chorus. From that time
to this it has always been the custom to stand during this chorus,
whenever it is performed.
George Frideric Händel Facts and Information
Copyright 2004-2005 by Classical-Music-Opera.com, all rights reserved.
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