Easter 2009, Hallelujah Chorus, St. Mark United Methodist Church, Atlanta, Georgia

[Chesterbarnes1]

When King George heard this brilliant masterpiece by Handel, he was so "moved" with utter amazement with this choral piece that he 'stood' in its honor. His subjects also stood following the King's example. Watch the ORGANIST he is really into his playing and performance. This is one of the finest reditions of Handel I have heard in a long time by a church choir. The Choir Director and this ORGANIST should be commended. Amen!

[ScottMacFie]

Wow, sitting down. SO GLAD I left the UMC years ago.

[jcooper689]

Tenors sound great!!! I agree, congregation should have been instructed to stand.

[caddyorganist]

Not everybody is familiar with classical music and the traditions associated with it. Why do you think so many people clap between movements? Take a chill pill.

[phulst]

King George stood when he heard the Halelujah Chorus and his subjects stood because it was proper to stand when the King stood. They stood originally not to honor the Lord, but to honor King George. Although the tradition is to stand, you will notice that the Alleluia Chorus is being used as the offertory and offering plates are being passed, something that could not be done if people were standing.

[MandyJMaddison]

Regardless of the history, I'm sure most peopl who stand do so to honour God. I find it very strange that these people remain seated. How could so many people not know the tradition? It is like standing for the national anthem, or saying Amen at the end of a prayer- the effect is to unite the audience in the performance and make it THEIR statement, as well as the performer's.

[Gary2837]

@phulst I always wondered why we stood. Thanks for sharing.

[Twerc]

Indeed! I have never seen a congregation sitting whilst the Hallelujah is sung. A severe lack of reverence towards the LORD.

[handithere2]

i didnt even know standing during this song was a tradition. i'm from a younger generation and we don't know these things. they're not a given. instruction is worship is important.  not with what the "rule" are, but why.

[Gary2837]

@Twerc Don't mean to disagree but is this lack of reverence to the song or "the LORD"? If reverence to "the LORD" we would stand on all religious songs. I do agree Handel did a magnificent job.

[Vanceypooh]

why arent the people standing up.... sad