The DU Lounge
Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsStand during Hallelujah: yes or no?
I was just watching a YT of "Messiah," performed by King's College in 2009, and the audience did not stand during the "Hallelujah" chorus. I'm not sure I approve. When did this go out of style? Of course the odd dissenter always refused to stand during the chorus, but I've never seen a whole audience (in a church, no less) refrain from standing.
-- Mal
jonno99
(2,620 posts)malthaussen
(17,194 posts)It was common everywhere since the premiere in 1743. Secular or sacred venue, it was always observed, until recently, presumably.
-- Mal
jonno99
(2,620 posts)malthaussen
(17,194 posts)The whole oratorio is long, but one doesn't stand during the whole thing.
-- Mal
jonno99
(2,620 posts)HERVEPA
(6,107 posts)malthaussen
(17,194 posts)Handel, not so much. But "Messiah" has a lot of good moments.
-- Mal
hunter
(38,311 posts).
FBaggins
(26,735 posts)Of course.
Wolf Frankula
(3,600 posts)When the King stands, everybody stands. I once heard that King George had to go to the bathroom, which is why he got up. When the King stands, everybody stands.
Wolf
malthaussen
(17,194 posts)George II thought it was time for intermission.
But whatever did start the tradition (and it is unknown if George was even at the premiers), I always thought it was a lovely thing to do.
-- Mal
OriginalGeek
(12,132 posts)and I don't remember ever standing for that. We went 3 times a week and twice on sunday.
Haven't been to church in 30+ years so my memory may be cloudy.
Mosby
(16,307 posts)malthaussen
(17,194 posts)Nice production!
It would be... funky... if they did Handel's.
-- Mal
Ivan Kaputski
(528 posts)Coventina
(27,115 posts)Iggo
(47,552 posts)Hey, I like a good concert as much as the next headbanger. I'd actually prefer everybody stand for the whole show because live music.
But stand for that one song? Why?
Thor_MN
(11,843 posts)You are thinking a local custom is a global practice.
ms liberty
(8,574 posts)It is tradition; done since during its first performance for the King, when he stood up as it began and stood for the duration of the piece. Because he stood, everyone stood, and then stood for it for all performances thereafter. It should only be done for The Hallelujah Chorus, not the Messiah in its entirety. That's what i was taught anyway, many years ago now. It's a chorus geek thing; I don't think it's known generally. It is a wonderful piece to sing - I never failed to get goosebumps.