Worship

My first try at embedding a YouTube video to the blog. On October 30, 2010 an event happened and was recorded at a Macy’s store. Maybe my children are too modern to appreciate the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah, but it is traditional for the audience to stand for it. As this “random act of culture” unfolds watch the reactions of the shoppers and notice at the end how many have gathered and are participating. The blog I first saw this on (First Things) labeled it a random act of worship. It is very moving. Here is a bit from Wikipedia about this famous piece.

The most famous movement is the "Hallelujah" chorus, which concludes the second of the three parts. The text is drawn from three passages in the New Testament book of Revelation:

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. (Revelation 19:6)

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 11:15)

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:16)

In many parts of the world, it is the accepted practice for the audience to stand for this section of the performance. The tradition is said to have originated with the first London performance of Messiah, which was attended by King George II.

I love the concept of taking culture out of the concert hall and to the people in surprising settings.

Lou