QBC's 45th Anniversary

Timo and i are in a 60-strong choir to sing a modern contemporary song, a Negro Spiritual song and 'Halleluiah from Handel's Messiah'. I am singing soprano while Timo tenor (He has been shortlisted to sing tenor in the coming Christmas acappella). It's a wonderful experience to return to a choir after more than 10 years and able to hit the high C note at this 'fragile' age. The weekly rehearsal have helped to strengthen the vocal chord and tummy muscles. :)

Hallelujah’ Chorus from Messiah


Messiah is an oratorio by George Frideric Handel based on a libretto by Charles Jennens. Composed in the summer of 1741 and premiered in Dublin on the 13 April 1742, Messiah is Handel's most famous creation and is among the most popular works in Western choral literature. The very well known chorus, Hallelujah, is part of Handel's Messiah. It concludes the second of the three parts. The text is drawn from three passages in the New Testament book of Revelation:

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. (Revelation 19:6)

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:16)

In many parts of the world, it is the accepted practice for the audience to stand for this section of the performance. Tradition has it that King George II rose to his feet at this point. As is true today, when the King stands, so do all subjects also rise; thus engendering the tradition. It is lost to history the exact reason why the King stood at that point, but the most popular explanations include:
• 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 himself.
• After an hour of musical performance, he needed to stretch his legs.
Because this piece is so often heard separate from the rest of Messiah, it has become popularly known as "The Hallelujah Chorus", which, like "The Messiah", is technically incorrect usage. "(the) Hallelujah chorus" or "'Hallelujah' chorus from Messiah" is more proper usage.