Why do people stand up for the Hallelujah chorus?

Answer 1

The grand sound of it makes me stand-up " I LOVE IT"

Answer 2

In many parts of the world, it is the accepted practice for the audience to stand for this section of the performance. Tradition has it that on first hearing the chorus, King George II was so moved that he rose to his feet. As is true today, when the King stands, so do all subjects also rise; thus engendering the tradition. However, modern scholarship holds its origins in doubt: the King may not have even been present at the premiere.

Occasionally, people unfamiliar with the work have been known to leave after this movement, assuming this to be the end of the oratorio when this is, as noted above, merely the conclusion of the second of the three parts.

It is also interesting to note that here, again, is seen a common titling mistake. The name of the chorus is Hallelujah, not "The Hallelujah Chorus". The word "chorus" simply refers to the type of movement and is not part of the title. It is not incorrect to refer to it as "the Hallelujah chorus"; it is, however, incorrect to title it as such.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Why do people stand up for the Hallelujah chorus?

Answer 4

Because we, the British, are a bovine lot and do things simply because others started to do it long ago. We seem to let go of our reasoning faculty and cease to use any logic. Rising at the start of the H. Chorus causes much disruption during the work as people settle back after its conclusion.
This is not a criticism of the music which is undoubtedly great, but it makes me question why don t we rise at the start of other great choruses. How about "Praise to the Holiest" from Elgars Gerontius, surely a very worthy candidate for veneration.

Answer 5

It’s a tradition on March 23 in 1743 at the London premiere of Handel's oratorio Messiah, the entire audience at the Covent Garden theater rose to their feet with King George II at the beginning of the "Hallelujah Chorus." Thus began the tradition of always standing during the singing of this glorious chorus.

Answer 6

This is a practice that drives me insane. I love this piece of music. It is indeed beautiful and inspiring. But marring the experience with the sound of chair seats flopping back up and coats and purses being shuffled around, ought to be called the intrusion that it is. Additionally, the first few seconds of the music are missed by most who are preoccupied with finding their coats and bags and standing up. Better to simply sit still and let the music move around you than for you to disrupt the intrinsic beauty of Handel's work.

Answer 7

On March 23, 1743, The Messiah, written by George Frideric Handel (1685 – 1759) in 1741, was performed for the 1st time in London, England. Present was the King of England. The king was so moved by the singing of the “Hallelujah Chorus,” he spontaneously stood to his feet and remained standing until the end of Handel’s masterpiece. (And when the king stands up, EVERYBODY stands up.) Ever since that day, it has been customary for the audience to stand whenever the “Hallelujah Chorus” is sung.

Answer 8

The King of England's duff was tired of sitting after almost 2 hours so he stood to clothing and, of course, when the King stands, so do the subjects.

Answer 9

When it was first played for the king's court, the king stood. When the king stands, all others must stand as well. Thus the tradition was born.