MESSIAH – HALLELUJAH CHORUS
Messiah is an English-language oratorio composed in 1741 by George Friedrich Handel, with a scriptural text compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible, and from the version of the Psalms included with the Book of Common Prayer.
In Part I the text begins with prophecies by Isaiah and others, and moves to the annunciation to the shepherds, the only “scene” taken from the Gospels.
In Part II, Handel concentrates on the Passion and ends with the “Hallelujah” chorus.
In Part III he covers the resurrection of the dead and Christ’s glorification in heaven.
When King George II attended a royal performance of Messiah he stood up for the Hallelujah Chorus in honour of the King of kings. When the king stood everyone in his presence had to stand. So it became the tradition for the audience to stand up when the Hallelujah Chorus is sung, as millions of us have done in honour of the King of kings.
Chorus — Revelation 19:6, 11:15, 19:16
Hallelujah! for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
The Kingdom of this world is become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ;
and He shall reign for ever and ever.
King of kings, and Lord of lords
and He shall reign for ever and ever.
Hallelujah!
Lyrics: Holy Bible, Authorised Version, 1611, arranged by Charles Jennens, 1741
Music: George Friedrich Handel, 1741
English, in America. Over 300 in choir with over 2,000 voices worldwide digitally
English in South Africa with pianist Anthony Burger and choir and congregation
English, in Hong Kong, 2006, Christmas in the Park
Mandarin Chinese, beginning of Hallelujah Chorus
Swahili, in Kenya with a choir from Tanzania
See also combined choirs in Tanzania:
Swahili, in Tanzania
German, by the Vocalensemble Erwitte
Renewal Journal 
Written by Geoff Waugh
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