Most people who only know Handel's Messiah from Christmas concerts have no idea that (a) they're only hearing 1/3 – 1/2 of the work, which (b) covers the whole story of Christ … up to and concluding with prophetic bits from Revelation and Isaiah.
I was disappointed we didn't get to a Messiah sing-along this year (Margie was down sick) … next year. #ddtb
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Alex Ross: The Rest Is Noise: The Armageddon Chorus
Younger classical critics at the New York Times are traditionally subjected to a kind of hazing ritual, in which they are directed to attend multiple performances of Messiah around the city. (I hasten…
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When I was still living in NYC I put together an Adult Bible Study class on Messiah: looking at the piece's history, examining the libretto, bringing attention to certain musical details, etc. It usually got high marks from participants (and many repeat takers from year to year).
I should see if I can find my notes on that …
Anyway:
(c) The work was first performed as a benefit for an orphanage, among other institutions established to help those in need.
(d) Standing for the Hallelujah Chorus may have become traditional because of George II doing so at a performance he attended. If he did (stand that is), some people think he did so due to respect for the subject at that point. However, I had a music history prof who suggested that it is more likely that, in a time in history of limited bathing, the king got up merely to, um, adjust certain parts that may have started to itch after sitting through the previous length of music.
I've also heard standing because of pain from gout, etc.
I'd certainly be interested in the notes you find. It is one of my favorite pieces.