Composed by Handel, the great master of baroque music, Messiah is one of the most popular choral works in the Western world. Its immense popularity has resulted in the erroneous conception of Handel as primarily a church composer. In truth, the contemplative, English-language oratorio stands apart from the rest of his 32 oratorios, which are dramatically conceived. How did it become tradition for audiences to stand during the performance of Messiah's "Hallelujah" chorus? Discuss (http://forum.thefreedictionary.com/postst15504_George-Frideric-Handel-s-Oratorio--i-Messiah--i--Debuts--1742-.aspx)
Source: George Frideric Handel's Oratorio Debuts (1742) (http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Messiah+(Handel))