Does a melody come to mind when you hear the word "hallelujah"?
If so, it's probably the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's "Messiah."
"Messiah" gets performed a lot during the holiday season, sometimes with choruses of hundreds of people.
But, the premiere of "Messiah" only included a chorus of about 20 people - we know because their paycheck stubs still exist!
"Messiah" is an oratorio - it includes a full orchestra, virtuosic vocal solos and is based on Biblical stories.
But the end of "Messiah," the part that includes the Hallelujah Chorus, actually wasn't intended for Christmastime.
"Messiah" is in three parts: the first is about Jesus's birth - that part's about Christmas.
The second tells the story of Jesus's crucifixion and the third part, the part that includes the Hallelujah Chorus, is actually the Easter story about his resurrection.
Listen to the full episode to learn more about Handel's "Messiah" and the Hallelujah Chorus with Interlochen Public Radio's music director, Amanda Sewell!
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Classical Sprouts is produced by Emily Duncan Wilson. Kacie Brown is the digital content manager.
