SKU: GI.G-8618

UPC: 785147861805. English. Text Source: Revelation 19:6, 11:15, 19:16. Scripture: Revelation 11:15, Revelation 19:6, 16.

The “Hallelujah” chorus is the final movement of part two of Handel’s Messiah, the part that comments on Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The text of the chorus, assembled from Biblical passages by the oratorio’s librettist, Charles Jennens, is from Revelation 19:6, 11:15, and 19:16: “Hallelujah, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever. KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” This edition has been prepared from the first published score in 1767, with comparisons to Handel’s autograph manuscript now housed in the British Museum. The text has been reproduced here without alterations. However, the beamings of the vocal parts have been modernized for ease of reading (the original material has flags instead of beams for every separate syllable). The piano accompaniment is a reduction of the orchestral material: the first and second violin parts are represented in the upper staff, with only occasional inclusion of the viola, trumpet, and timpani parts, the basso continuo, in its original form, is in the bottom staff. The GIA Historical Music Series edited by Dennis Shrock, presents repertoire suitable for performance by public school, college and university, church, and community ensembles, with the purpose of making available to today’s conductors lesser-known and previously difficult-to-procure historical masterpieces. The music, drawn from the Renaissance through the Romantic eras, is in performance editions based on the most current and rigorous scholarly research. The musical scores reflect original intent of notation, with all editorial markings and emendations clearly identified as such. In addition, preface material accompanying the music contains literal translations of foreign language texts and information regarding the lives of the composers, genres, and relevant performance practices. Dennis Shrock is Director of Choral Activities at Texas Christian University. He has been called one of the top choral scholars in the United States and has received a number of awards for his work. He received a bachelor's degree in music education from Westminster Choir College and both master's and doctoral degrees in choral conducting from Indiana University.