The Hallelujah chorus is the most iconic song from Messiah, and perhaps the best known choral piece ever written. Its grandness and majesty makes it a thrilling piece to sing. Many have wondered why such a chorus would not end Messiah. It certain sounds like it should end something! In fact, it does end something. It ends Part II of Messiah. In my notes to the previous chorus Let Us Break, we learn that there will come a day when the rulers of this earth will rise up against the Lord. What is God's response to such rebellion? Is he frightened? Take another look at Psalm 2:1-4. God's response,
|
|
found in verse 4, is set to the tenor recitative and aria, He That Dwelleth and Thou Shalt Break Them. God is not only not frightened, but he will laugh! Not a laugh born of glee, but of utter scorn. God will take those rebellious leaders and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel! Hallelujah follows immediately and ends Part II. The words from this chorus are actually taken from several verses found in Revelation. So why in the world are we singing "Hallelujah, the Lord God reigns" after an aria which describes such terrible judgement? Because God is victor over evil, and in that we should rejoice! The kings of this earth rebel, but God is victorious over them, and their kingdoms, the kingdoms of this world, become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ. Jesus reigns forever and ever in their stead! To all of this we say, yes, Lord! Hallelujah!
Audio Practice Files
Soprano Prominent:
|
Alto Prominent:
|
Tenor Prominent:
|
Bass Prominent:
|
Take it to the next level! See if you can sing your part without it played prominently! All parts played equally: