Hallelujah Chorus

One of the most thrilling moments in any Christmas season is hearing the Hallelujah Chorus from the oratorio Messiah by George Frideric Handel. The text is drawn from three passages in the New Testament book of Revelation:

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. (Revelation 19:6)

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:16)

It has become traditional for the audience to stand during a performance of the Hallelujah Chorus. According to legend, this practice began when King George II of Great Britain was so moved by his first hearing of the Chorus that he rose to his feet--which, thanks to royal protocol, required everyone in his presence, including the audience and even the orchestra, to stand also. However this tradition began, it is marvelously fitting for one of the most powerful pieces of music ever composed!

One of the more amazing things about the Hallelujah Chorus is how it inspires every generation down through the centuries, and how remarkably adaptable it is to different styles of performance, without losing its meaning or its power. To see what I mean, enjoy both of the following videos. The first is a traditional performance by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Chorus. The second is a rousing "gospel"-style performance by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. I guarantee you'll be on your feet and clapping your hands over your head in no time! And it's just as meaningful and inspiring as the original. I think Mr. Handel (that's him at the beginning of this paragraph) would be pleased.

(Text of the Chorus follows the second video).





Hallelujah Chorus
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

The kingdom of this world
Is become the kingdom of our Lord,
And of His Christ, and of His Christ;
And He shall reign for ever and ever,
For ever and ever, forever and ever,

King of kings, and Lord of lords,
King of kings, and Lord of lords,
And Lord of lords,
And He shall reign,
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings, forever and ever,
And Lord of lords,
Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of kings! and Lord of lords!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!