201.—THE HALLELUJAH CHORUS.
The uninitiated who attend a performance of Handel's "Messiah" are frequently surprised when, at the first notes of the "Hallelujah Chorus," the whole audience rises to its feet. Some think this custom arose from the desire to pay homage to the words. But if that be the case, they might well stand during the whole oratorio. Others imagine that it was because of the intense enjoyment in the music some audience had a hundred and fifty years ago, which brought them to their feet.
But this is said to be the truth of the matter: At one of the early performances of this grand oratorio, the king of England, George I, was present. During the singing of this chorus, His Majesty, either greatly enjoying the music, or perhaps simply desiring to change his position, stood up; at once the courtiers and people followed suit, thus originating a custom which is quite pleasant in view of the physical relief afforded by the change of posture in a two-hour performance.