With the festive period now in full swing, we are counting down the days until WNO Chorus and WNO Orchestra’s performance of Handel’s Messiah at St David’s Hall. Composed in 1741, the masterpiece was written for orchestra, chorus and four solo singers. The first part of the work tells the Christmas story of Jesus’ birth, the second focusses on the Easter story and crucifixion, and the third explores Christianity and eternal life. Handel himself associated Messiah with Lent and Easter, however, 280 years since its first performance in Dublin in April 1742, it is today considered a Christmas staple. Its enduring popularity has not wavered, and crowds continue to gather and listen to this masterpiece.
The music is sublime, and Handel’s skill and talent shines through. In an astounding feat of creativity, Handel produced the 260-page score in just 24 days. The work’s moving text, drawn from the Bible, also contributes to its lasting popularity, with the life of Christ being called the greatest story ever told. It is said that King George II was so moved by the joyous Hallelujah Chorus that he took to his feet during a performance, prompting the audience to follow suit and the tradition of standing continues today.
There is little doubt about Handel's own fondness for the work; Messiah always featured in his annual benefit concerts and, in 1759, though blind and in failing health, he insisted on attending a performance at Theatre Royal in Covent Garden on 6 April. He died at home eight days later.
Many pieces within the work have found their way into popular culture, but none more than the famous Hallelujah Chorus. In addition to being a popular chant during times of happiness here are some of our favourite uses in popular culture.
At the end of the 1994 film Dumb & Dumber, Lloyd and Harry (Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels) are down on their luck, wandering across the desert, when a bus pulls up. The windows open to the sounds of Hallelujah and a dozen blonde beauties pop out. However, this meeting doesn’t turn around Lloyd and Harry’s fortunes.
Remember when Flashmobs were all the rage? Back in 2010, Alphabet Photography Inc. organised a Christmas surprise for shoppers and delivered a rousing rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus. This inspired many imitators, including at a Florida airport and at the Wanamaker Building in Philadelphia.
Nickelodeon’s gleeful, yet slightly disturbing, cartoon, Ren & Stimpy, frequently used Hallelujah to great ironic effect. Handel’s music first appeared in the pilot episode and became a recurring feature, usually during a brief euphoric moment that was about to be crushed.
In Thoroughly Modern Millie, Julie Andrews swoons over her boss, Trevor Graydon (John Gavin). To highlight her feelings, composer Elmer Bernstein interlaced a few Hallelujahs in between Richard Morris’s lyrics, ringing out every time Graydon strikes a profile.
Last, but definitely not least, we can’t forget it’s appearance in an updated take on Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. The Hallelujah Chorus features in Scrooged, starring Bill Murray as a selfish television executive who’s haunted by three spirits bearing life lessons on Christmas Eve.
Hear this exhilarating and hugely popular masterpiece in its full glory at St David’s Hall on Friday 9 December.