Driver's Seat Why did the king stand up?
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With Easter comes the performing of Handel's “Messiah.” Although this magnificent piece of music is mostly given at Christmas time, we can also expect to hear it as Easter nears.
The composer, George Frideric Handel (1685-1759), was born in Germany but spent most of his life in England, where the people loved him and his music. He was a fast worker. He produced the music for “Messiah” in only three weeks of the summer of 1741, despite his being partially paralyzed from a recent stroke. As he composed, Handel – a devout Christian – is said to have wept at the beauty of the sounds he was creating.
“Messiah” was first performed in Dublin's Music Hall in April 1742. About a year later, in March 1743, the work was given in London's Covent Garden. It was there – during the first or second performance – that the reigning monarch, George II, was in the audience. On that night, an incident took place. It has evolved into a tradition that is still observed during many performances of “Messiah.”
The most common version of the occurrence says that, as the Hallelujah Chorus began, King George was overwhelmed by the majesty of the words and music. As if recognizing how insignificant his earthly trappings were in comparison to the glory of God, the King rose to his feet and remained standing throughout the Chorus. In response, all the other listeners also stood. Therein began the custom of the audience rising as the Hallelujah Chorus is rendered.
It's a beautiful story, and I get weepy when I think of it, especially if I'm listening to the chorus at the time. However, the legend may not be based on the whole truth.
For one thing, George II may not actually have been present in the hall. Historians disagree on that. Furthermore, his reason for getting to his feet may not have been as lofty as his alleged feelings of religious awe. Some experts suggest the king had been dozing, and was shocked upright by the opening notes of the chorus. A second possibility is that the king simply needed to stretch his legs. After all, “Messiah” is a long, three-part oratorio, and the Hallelujah Chorus doesn't arrive until the end of Part II.
A third theory, least elegant of all, is that George II was suffering from hemorrhoids so severe they required the relief that standing could bring.
At any rate, the legend took hold. Today, 263 years later, people will still rise for the Hallelujah Chorus. But many folks do not. It is by no means mandatory, and many conductors – among them famed choral director Robert Shaw – have actively discouraged the practice as distracting. Next time you attend a live performance of “Messiah,” you may want to check your program notes at the outset.
Final notes: (1) At his death, Handel was laid to honored rest in Westminster Abbey. (2) The text of “Messiah” was written by Charles Jennens (1700-1773), a librettist who worked with his friend Handel on other pieces. (3) Musical purists never say “The Messiah.” Just “Messiah.” But we'll be forgiven if we slip. The main thing is to enjoy the music. We need not be devout, or even a Christian, to be uplifted by Mr. Handel's masterpiece.
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