Why do they stand?

[Deb & Bill]

Got a question that has been bothering me for a long time. We have gone to the Candlelight Processional about four times so far. When it comes to the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah, everyone stands up. Why? I had never seen this before.

 

[disykat]

I don't exactly no why, but it is a "long-standing" tradition. (HAHA) Anytime the Halleluia Chorus is sung, everyone stands. Even when we sing it on Easter Sunday at church we sing it at the end and everyone stands.

 

[goofy4tink]

There is something niggling in the back of my brain about when Handl first performed it, royalty (or something or other) was there and the queen stood, so now everyone stands. I'm sure it's some variation on that premise. I just can't grab onto it right now. I have to ask those of you that have been to CP before. Is the Hallelujah Chorus is song, does everyone sing it? Most places this happens and I wouldn't want to be the only voice in the peanut gallery singing

 

[olena]

That was my theory. A member of the royalty probably stood up and the tradition was born.

Legend has it that's how the 7th inning stretch got started in baseball. President Taft was at a game and stood up to stretch his legs.


Something that did bug me about the CP was the "WOOOOO" from some of the audience. I suppose that's ok for a NASCAR race or ball game, but not at that kind of concert.

 

[Pin Wizard]

That is one piece of music that sends a chill down my spine. I think it's great if people stand!

 

[piratesmate]

We were told that King George was so moved upon hearing that section of "The Messiah" that he "leapt to his feet & stood on his chair" - and of course all of his subjects had to stand at that point, too. I don't know if all of that is correct, but the tradition is attributed to King George II.

Another version says that the music is based on/references this verse in the Bible: Isaiah 40:7 "Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel and its Holy One, To the despised One, To the One abhorred by the nation, To the Servant of rulers,
"Kings will see and arise,...".

Others simply say that the king had been seated for hours by that point & had to stand to stretch his legs; he had gout.

I know, TMI!

 

[Deb & Bill]

goofy4tink: It's the one that goes "Lord of Lords, Forever and Ever, Hallelujah, Hallelujah" "King of Kings". I was listening to the CD that I have (it has Lou Gossett as the narrator) and I remembered everyone standing. But my CD doesn't have "Let there be Peace on Earth". Is it on the newer CD with Felicia Rashad?

 

[Pam]

From the web:

Why do today's audiences stand during the Hallelujah chorus? It seems King George II attended Messiah's London premiere in March 1743. A few bars into Hallelujah, the king stood and the audience was forced to follow his lead. Whether he was overwhelmed by the music or his foot had fallen asleep is not known, but audiences have been standing for this ever since.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks, I thought it might be a Protestant thing since I'm Catholic and just had not experienced it before.