George Frideric Handel’s “Hallelujah” chorus is one of the most popular and widely recognizable pieces of classical music. It is known by adults and children alike for its easy-to-recite lyrics and hummable melody.

The text for the “Hallelujah” chorus, as noted in a previous blog post, “The History of ‘Hallelujah’ Chorus from Handel’s Messiah,” comes from the book of Revelation in the New Testament. Revelation 19:6: “Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” Revelation 19:16: “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.” Revelation 11:15 reads, “And he shall reign for ever and ever.”

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that The Tabernacle Choir regularly performs music from Handel’s Messiah on Music & the Spoken Word broadcasts, as well as the complete oratorio every two years. What could come as a surprise is that the Choir  performed the “Hallelujah” chorus during a session of general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1873.

Millicent Cornwall’s book Chronological History of the Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir states “The ‘Hallelujah’ chorus (Handel) was sung by the choir in the Tabernacle in the concluding session of Conference.” 

As the famous story goes, King George II was rumored to have attended a royal performance of Messiah when he stood during “Hallelujah.” It was customary that everyone in the king’s presence also had to stand, which became a tradition going forward during performances. The real question is did everyone stand up during “Hallelujah” at general conference in 1873? We’ll never know.

Watch the Choir sing Handel’s “Hallelujah” (standing up):

Get the Choir's landmark recording of Handel’s beloved oratorio. Two versions are available: the complete oratorio, containing every movement of Messiah on two CDs with a bonus DVD, and highlights, containing selected choruses and solos.