Its most famous chorus takes its text from Revelation, and King George II's gout might explain one traditionally stands during that last movement.
The introduction to the first published libretto of this musical work references Virgil's fourth Eclogue, and was complied by Charles Jennens. The text of this work's first section, The Annunciation, draws mostly from Isaiah, with notable exceptions being "Come unto Him" and "His yoke is easy, " which are both from Matthew. Though it was originally meant to be performed during (*) Lent, today it most often heard during Christmas with most of the Passion and the Aftermath excluded. Its most famous chorus takes its text from Revelation, and King George II's gout might explain one traditionally stands during that last movement. FTP, identify this oratorio by Handel, best known for its Hallelujah Chorus.
The introduction to the first published libretto of this musical work references Virgil's fourth Eclogue, and was complied by Charles Jennens.
{Messiah}