He began his work on August 22. He studied the text more closely this time and something magnificent happened to Handel. He experienced rebirth. During this time, he rarely left his room, neglected his meals, and his servants would often find him in tears as he composed. When he completed “Hallelujah”, it is said, that he told one of his servants, “I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself seated on His throne, and His company of Angels.” He was so inspired, that instead of one year, it took only 24 days to compose 260 pages—an extraordinary accomplishment. At the end of the completed text Handel wrote the letters “SDG”—Solis Deo Gloria. “To God Alone the Glory.”
The Hallelujah Chorus was so majestic that King George ll stood in honor of the Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords. So, that is why today, we stand at the sound of the Hallelujah Chorus. Handel fortunes were revived and his masterpiece, Messiah, became one of the most celebrated oratorios of all time. Merry Christmas!