It Was April 1742 When George Fredrick Handel ...

It was April 1742 when George Fredrick Handel premiered his oratorio THE MESSIAH in Dublin. The next year several performances were given in London, and King George II was present on one such occasion. When the King first heard “The Hallelujah Chorus,” he was so overwhelmed and inspired that in homage to “The King of Kings and Lord of Lord” he rose to his feet as a tribute of respect. Whenever the monarch stands, protocol demands all present must follow suit. Thus began the custom the audience stands for the singing of “The Hallelujah Chorus,” and in doing honors Him Who is the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

Under powerful, Spirit led inspiration Handel composed his masterpiece in just 24 days. He knew it was the Mighty God who had gifted him to create such a masterful piece of sacred music and told a friend that while composing it, “I did think I did see all Heaven before me and the great God Himself.”