The History, Meaning, and Enduring Legacy of Handel's Iconic "Hallelujah" Chorus

The Origins and Meaning of the Hallelujah Chorus

The famous chorus known as the "Hallelujah" chorus is part of the oratorio Messiah by George Frideric Handel. The text of the chorus is taken from the King James Bible's Revelation 19:6, which reads: "Hallelujah! For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth."

Handel composed Messiah in 1741 in just 24 days. It was first performed in Dublin in 1742 for charity. The "Hallelujah" chorus has become one of the most famous pieces of music in history and is often performed around Christmas time.

The Meaning Behind the Lyrics

The word "hallelujah" literally means "praise the Lord" in Hebrew. The lyrics are jubilantly praising God and describing his omnipotence and eternal reign. The rhythm of the music enhances this tone of celebration.

In the context of Revelation, the lines are imagining a scene in heaven where a great multitude is praising God after his defeat over the kingdom of evil. So the chorus expresses the joy of God's final victory over sin and death on earth.

Traditions of the Hallelujah Chorus

During the "Hallelujah" chorus, it is traditional for the audience to stand up in tribute to the glory of God. Some accounts say this tradition originated with King George II who was so moved when he heard the song that he rose to his feet.

Another tradition is for the conductor and orchestra to completely change directions onstage at the point where the chorus builds to a crescendo. Different theories explain this theatrical tradition - either symbolizing God's all-reaching power or evoking a sense of confusion and adoration similar to visions described in Revelation.

Covers and Parodies of the Iconic Chorus

The "Hallelujah" chorus has been remade by countless artists and choirs. Famous covers include renditions by musical acts like Unwoman and Destroid. It has also been remixed into more modern musical styles like blues and funk.

Unexpected "Hallelujah" Cover Songs

Some non-traditional covers include:

• Classical crossover group Il Divo singing an operatic version
• Soul singer Wah Wah Watson performing a funk "Hallelujah" cover
• A tropical house DJ collaboration by VINAI
• Persian violinist Fanaei mixing the chorus with Middle Eastern elements

Covers span many genres like metal, a cappella, country, and more. The composition has also been translated into various languages beyond English like Spanish, Italian, Swahili, and Tagalog.

Parody and Homage in Pop Culture

The iconic nature of the "Hallelujah" chorus has made it a popular subject across media like film, TV shows, and cartoons. Animaniacs featured a version called "Heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-heh-lujah." And movies like Sister Act 2 and classic Looney Tunes cartoons have all offered their own silly twists.

Beyond direct parody, many scores reference or pay homage to the famous melodic theme and joyous style from Handel's original. For example, parts of Harry Potter's Hedwig's Theme have very similar rising instrumentation.

Notable Performances of the Historic Musical Piece

Aside from annual Christmas and Easter performances, the iconic chorus has made appearances at major societal events like:

Royal Occasions & National Celebrations

• Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953
• Royal weddings for figures like Princess Diana and Prince William
• Special concerts like for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee
• Popular showing during The Proms annual BBC concerts
• Featured frequently in Remembrance Day and patriotic ceremonies

The song is so beloved that it has been specially requested by British monarchs and included in major national events both joyous and somber.

Groundbreaking Cultural Moments

Performances of the "Hallelujah" chorus have also been involved in ceremonies marking groundbreaking cultural events such as:

• The fall of the Berlin Wall
• Nelson Mandela's visit to London in thanks for supporting the anti-apartheid movement
• Interfaith prayer service after 9/11 led by the Archbishop of Canterbury

During times of historical shifts in society, the uplifting chorus has been incorporated to evoke messages of unity, hope, resilience, and human spirit prevailing.

Why the Hallelujah Chorus Remains Impactful

The enduring resonance of the "Hallelujah" chorus likely stems from a variety of factors:

Memorable Melodic Contour

The opening motif features a distinctively uplifting melodic contour that leaps an interval of a sixth. This radiates splendor and transcendence. It's also written in an extraordinarily high key which maximizes its tone of brilliance.

Contagious Emotionality

Everything from the lyrics to rhythmic drive conveys an effusive joyfulness and victorious spirit. The way the chorus keeps building in instrumentation and vocal layers heightens this feeling - making it contagious even for non-religious listeners.

Archetypal Appeal

On a symbolic level, the theme of good triumphing over evil and salvation after tribulation powerfully represents timeless stories and the human experience on both spiritual and universal levels.

Centuries later, Handel's iconic composition remains stirring and relevant across musical genres and cultures.

FAQs

Why do people stand during the "Hallelujah" chorus?

It's a tradition that originated when King George II was so moved by the song that he rose to his feet during its performance. Now audiences stand in tribute to the glory and joy of the lyrics praising God.

What does "hallelujah" actually mean?

"Hallelujah" is a Hebrew word that literally translates to "praise the Lord" in English. So the jubilant chorus is used to exalt and celebrate the greatness of God.

What key is the famous chorus written in?

Handel composed the iconic motif in the key of D major. It modulates throughout but is extraordinarily high for choral writing, allowing the notes to maximally radiate splendor and transcendence.

Has the "Hallelujah" chorus been translated other languages?

Yes, beyond English, the uplifting lyrics and melody have been translated to many other languages including Spanish, Italian, Swahili, Tagalog, and more to maximize its global reach.

Why does the chorus keep building and getting bigger?

As more vocalists and instrumentalists join in through each section, it creates a heightening feeling of effusive joyfulness to praise God. This emotionally contagious crescendo enhances the lyrical themes.