Stand during Hallelujah: yes or no?

[malthaussen]

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]

1. I was not aware of this practice. Perhaps it depends on the particular tradition of the church(?) nt

[malthaussen]

2. Not at all.

It was common everywhere since the premiere in 1743. Secular or sacred venue, it was always observed, until recently, presumably.

-- Mal

[jonno99]

3. Well, it is a long song. Perhaps it was that folks were in better shape in olden times?

[malthaussen]

4. Naw, the chorus is only 4 minutes.

The whole oratorio is long, but one doesn't stand during the whole thing.

-- Mal

[jonno99]

5. Ah! Ok, now it's coming back to me. You're right, I do remember standing (sorry - it's been awhile).

[HERVEPA]

6. Yes, definitely should stand

[malthaussen]

7. One should always stand for Leonard.

Handel, not so much. But "Messiah" has a lot of good moments.

-- Mal

[hunter]

16. Of course...

.

[FBaggins]

8. Yes

Of course.

[Wolf Frankula]

9. No Not unless the King is there and stands up

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]

13. That was Robert Shaw's idea, IIRC.

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]

10. I grew up in Baptist church

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]

11. Hallel Hallelujah by the IDF

[malthaussen]

14. Who knew the IDF had a band?

Nice production!
It would be... funky... if they did Handel's.

-- Mal

[Ivan Kaputski]

12. We don't do dat in de USSR.

[Coventina]

15. I've never been in an audience that doesn't stand.

[Iggo]

17. Stand? Why?

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]

18. Never, ever have heard anything like that.

You are thinking a local custom is a global practice.

[ms liberty]

19. One stands during the Hallelujah Chorus

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.