The Hallelujah Chorus is part of The Messiah – an English-language oratorio [1] composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel [2], with a scriptural text compiled by Charles Jennens [3] from the King James Bible [4], and from the Coverdale Psalter [5], the version of the Psalms [6]included with the Book of Common Prayer [7]. 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 [8] are predicted by the Old Testament [9] prophets. The annunciation to the shepherds [10] of the birth of the Christ is represented in the words of Luke’s gospel [11]. Part II covers Christ’s passion and his death [12], his resurrection [13] and ascension [14], the first spreading of the gospel [15] 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 [16] and the “general resurrection [17]“, 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 [18].
(Source: Wikipedia)