During the rousing "Hallelujah Chorus" in Handel's Messiah, King George II reportedly rose to his feet and began clapping in time with the music; the audience was compelled to follow the lead of their monarch, leading to a lasting tradition that endures to this day.

Question

History

Rosa French

16 July, 22:32

During the rousing "Hallelujah Chorus" in Handel's Messiah, King George II reportedly rose to his feet and began clapping in time with the music; the audience was compelled to follow the lead of their monarch, leading to a lasting tradition that endures to this day.

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Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Aiyana Jackson · Answer 1

True

Explanation:

According to a different source, this is a true/false question.

This story appears to be true, and it explains why we consider it a tradition to stand when the "Hallelujah Chorus" in Handel's Messiah begins. This is a famous song that is often played during the holidays. The Messiah premiered in London in 1743. The legend states that during this performance, the King was so moved by the music that he stood up. As people generally stood up whenever the king did as a matter of formality, this caught on, and it created a tradition that remains to our days.

Hayley Coleman · Answer 2

True

Explanation:

When The Hallelujah Chorus was played the king was said at the performance to have stood up during the Hallelujah Chorus. According to royal protocol, when the king or queen stands, everyone else must stand and remain standing until the monarch returns to his or her seat. This was said to be held at the Covent Garden Theatre, now the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, on March 23, 1743, during the reign of George II.