There is no shortage of speculation on what might have prompted King George II to stand during the "Hallelujah!" chorus at the London premiere (Covent Garden Theater, March 23, 1743). The King's late arrival, stretching his legs, relieving his gout, the need for the bathroom, being woken by the chorus's forte opening, the King's own sense of reverence - all are being sited.  Whatever the truth is, ever since that day it became the fashion in England for the audience to stand during this particular chorus. 

"From 1743 until the close of Handel's life, Covent Garden Theater became his permanent home, and he invariably ended seasons there with Messiah, usually performed shortly before Easter.  He conducted his last Messiah there on April 6, 1759, eight days before he died."

"A keyboardist without peer (rivaled only by Bach on the Continent), Handel accompanied all his operas and oratorios and often "exerted himself", as he put it, on the organ or harpsichord at the intervals - thus assuring audiences of at least one spectacular performance for their money.  He also gave instrumental concerts."

Handel's Messiah (the 1749 London Covent Garden version) was recorded by the Ama Deus Ensemble in 1994 on the VOX label.  What a perfect Christmas gift!  Listen to samples and purchase this rare CD here...