Hallelujah Indeed! The 3rd Day of igNation’s 12 Days of Christmas
The Hallelujah Chorus is part of The Messiah – an English-language oratorio composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel, with a scriptural text compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible, and from the Coverdale Psalter, the version of the Psalms included with the Book of Common Prayer. It was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742 and received its London premiere nearly a year later. After an initially modest public reception, the oratorio gained in popularity, eventually becoming one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in Western music.
In Part I, the Messiah’s coming and the virgin birth are predicted by the Old Testament prophets. The annunciation to the shepherds of the birth of the Christ is represented in the words of Luke’s gospel. Part II covers Christ’s passion and his death, his resurrection and ascension, the first spreading of the gospel through the world, and a definitive statement of God’s glory summarised in the “Hallelujah”. Part III begins with the promise of redemption, followed by a prediction of the day of judgment and the “general resurrection“, ending with the final victory over sin and death and the acclamation of Christ.
Originally an Easter offering. … Now, of course, Messiah is a fixture of the Christmas season. the Hallelujah chorus has been performed in many venues over the years. To see it performed in a very different venue click here.
(Source: Wikipedia)
Susan Tomenson
Posted at 07:23h, 29 DecemberThanks so much, John. What a treat and surprise to hear “The Alleluia “in the mall with people standing and singing.
I would like to do that at “Yorkdale Shopping Mall!!!!
All the best for your Sabbatical in the New Year!
Bye for now-Susan Tomenson
Peter Bisson, SJ
Posted at 10:14h, 29 DecemberThank you John!
Michael Bautista
Posted at 12:35h, 29 DecemberVery cool version! There are over 52 million hits on that version of the Hallelujah chorus. Taking God out into the real, ordinary world has a big impact. If that puzzled child asked his mother what that song was, she would have likely answered something like “That’s a song about God.” Isn’t that what God is about? Who doesn’t sing the words “And he shall reign forever and ever!” when they come up? Wow, doesn’t the light shine much brighter when it’s taken out of the church building into the world? Thanks, John.
Esther Buckley
Posted at 16:54h, 29 DecemberI love the Halleleugah Chorus and remember when it was an Easter Offerng and now performed at Christmastime. It was always sung at the Basilica in St.John’s NL. at Easter time and now at Christmas as well as at other Churchs .
Esther Buckley.