Who started, when and why, the tradition of standing during the Hallelujah Chorus ( Handel's Messiah )?

Answer 1

king george II of england, (jeez i hope it him) he was so impressed by the performance he stood up and then everyone followed his lead by standing.

Answer 2

Well, it was already answered, but the King stood up during the first performance being so moved by it. When the king stands up, you had better not be found sitting down.

Answer 3

Good job, zaza.

Yes, King George II began this tradition --it is thought that he believed the oratorio was over at this point and stood up, and then everyone stood up because he did.

Now it is just a tradition that everyone stands during the Hallelujah chorus.

I don't give a hoot about King G., personally I stand because the words are so profound.