The singing of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” at the conclusion of Easter Sunday worship, is a long standing tradition at Ginter Park Baptist. Easter 2017 will be no exception, but, with a small twist. This year’s edition will include a brass ensemble comprised of students of the Midlothian High School band, and our own Fred Horn on the organ, as well as current and former members of the Ginter Park Chancel Choir. If you would like to join in singing this moving and majestic piece, please plan to join the Chancel Choir for rehearsal on Wednesday April 5th in the Choir Suite at 7:30pm, and Wednesday April 12th in the sanctuary at 7:30pm. If you are a guest or former member singing with us, we will spend the first thirty minutes working on the “Hallelujah Chorus”, then you are free to leave, or stay for the remainder of rehearsal. If you have any questions, please free to contact Tom.
Calvin R. Stapert, in his book, Handel’s Messiah: Comfort for God’s People, writes that the “Hallelujah” represents the third of three hallelujahs written in Revelation (19:6). The chorus follows the victory over the rebellious kings and nations and the fall of Babylon. While the hallelujah in Revelation 19 expresses the joy over the marriage of the Lamb, in Messiah it represents the coronation of the Lamb as King. The Lamb of God, who suffered and died to take sin from the world, who was raised from death and ascended to heaven on our behalf, is the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” who will reign “forever and ever.”
In the plan of Messiah, the “Hallelujah Chorus” does not merely signal the culmination of a scene; it is a scene unto itself, acting as the culmination of Part II and indeed, the climax of the entire oratorio. In 1727, Handel has written four anthems for the coronation ceremonies of King George II and Queen Caroline. In Messiah, he only has time for one coronation, part of a longer story that must be told in one evening concert. This proves to not be a challenge for Handel as he giftedly combines jubilation and solemnity into three and one-half minutes.