The face of God...

[meri_weather]

I wanted to attend Handel's Messiah this Christmas, however when I went to purchase the tickets I discovered that it was sold out. So next year I will make a point to purchase my tickets as soon as they go on sale. It is such glorious music and to see it performed live makes my soul soar; it is magical and truly uplifting.

Just a little bit of information that I pulled off of wikipedia (good 'ol wiki) but already knew so interjected my two cents here and there:

Handel's Messiah was composed in the summer of 1741 and premiered in Dublin on the 13th of April in 1742. " Messiah" is Handel's most famous creation and is one of the most popular choral works in Western choral literature. The most famous movement is the "Hallelujah" chorus. In many parts of the world it is the accepted practice for the audience to stand during this section of the performance. Tradition has it that King George II rose to his feet as the first notes of the triumphant Hallelujah Chorus rang out. Royal protocol has always demanded that whenever the monarch stands, so does everyone in the monarch's presence. Thus, the entire audience stood too, initiating a tradition that has lasted more than two centuries. Though it is lost to history why the King stood at that particular point in the performance, the most popular explanations include the following (though I'm most inclined to believe the first and second reasons):

• As was and is the custom, one stands in the presence of royalty as a sign of respect. The Hallelujah chorus clearly places Christ as the King of Kings. In standing, King George II accepts that he too is subject to the Lord of Lords.
  
• He was so moved by the performance that he rose to his feet.
  
• He arrived late to the performance, and the crowd rose when he finally made an appearance.
  
• His gout acted up at that precise moment and he rose to relieve his discomfort.
  
• After an hour of musical performance, he needed to stretch his legs.
  

There is a story told that Handel's assistant, after shouting to him for several minutes with no response, walked in to Handel's room only to discover Handel in tears. When asked what was wrong, Handel held up the score to the "Hallelujah" movement and said, "I thought I saw the face of God."

Handel's Messiah-For unto us a child is born

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Handel's Messiah-Hallelujah

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