When Handel’s MESSIAH was first performed in London, the King who was present, was
so carried away by religious sentiment during the Alleluia chorus that, against
all convention, he stood up in silent respect for the masterpiece he was hearing.
When they saw this, all the nobles present followed the example of the King and
stood up too. That was the signal, of course, for everyone in the audience to
stand up!
Since then it is considered de rigueur to stand up each time the Alleluia is sung
regardless of one’s inner disposition or the quality of the performance.
🙂
When Handel’s MESSIAH was first performed in London, the King who was present, was
so carried away by religious sentiment during the Alleluia chorus that, against
all convention, he stood up in silent respect for the masterpiece he was hearing.
When they saw this, all the nobles present followed the example of the King and
stood up too. That was the signal, of course, for everyone in the audience to
stand up!
Since then it is considered de rigueur to stand up each time the Alleluia is sung
regardless of one’s inner disposition or the quality of the performance.
🙂