a grand tradition!
i have special reason for laughing my ass off reading this fine wry bit of escalation (re “Hallelujah” from handel’s Messiah) — unusual for the normally poor wikipedia:
In many parts of the world, it is the accepted practice for the audience to stand for this section of the performance. Tradition has it that King George II rose to his feet at this point. As the first notes of the triumphant Hallelujah Chorus rang out, the king rose. Royal protocol has always demanded that whenever the monarch stands, so does everyone in the monarch’s presence. Thus, the entire audience stood too, initiating a tradition that has lasted more than two centuries. It is lost to history the exact reason why the King stood at that point, but the most popular explanations include:
- As was and is the custom, one stands in the presence of royalty as a sign of respect. The Hallelujah chorus clearly places Christ as the King of Kings. In standing, King George II accepts that he too is subject to Lord of Lords.
- He was so moved by the performance that he rose to his feet.
- He arrived late to the performance, and the crowd rose when he finally made an appearance.[8]
- His gout acted up at that precise moment and he rose to relieve the discomfort.
- After an hour of musical performance, he needed to stretch his legs.[9]