126

Sang for the 126th Anniversary service today. My first time singing in a choir for about 2 years. Exactly 2 years actually, seeing as the last time I sang was for the 124th Anniversary.

I guess sometimes I miss my choir days back in ACSI. I will always regret that we never truly made great music together then, but still there were brief moments when I thought we almost did. I have always found something special about the sound of many different voices meshed together to form a unified chorus of song. When done right as I have heard some choirs do, the music is simply sublime. But I guess not everyone can do it. Still I am grateful for the chance to try once in awhile...

Hallelujah, Hallelujah!
For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth,
Hallelujah, Hallelujah!
The Kingdom of this world is become
The Kingdom of our Lord
And of his Christ.
And He shall reign forever and ever,
King of Kings, and Lord of Lords,
And He shall reign forever and ever,
Hallelujah, Hallelujah!

-G. F. Handel, Hallelujah Chorus

 It is said that so great was the majesty conveyed in this piece of Christ decending from heaven triumphant, that King George II was moved to stand during the performance. Since it was Royal protocol that when a monarch stands, everyone in his presence is required to follow suit, the entire audience and even the orchestra stood with the king through the duration of the performance. Thus it is tradition even today for everyone in the hall to stand when this piece is performed.