Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus & Worthy is the Lamb/Amen — Choir of Wells Cathedral

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The Choir of Wells Cathedral, under the direction of Matthew Owens, perform two choruses from Handel's Messiah: the 'Hallelujah' (0:00 - 3:51) that concludes the oratorio's second part; and the third part's 'Worthy is the Lamb That Was Slain' (3:52 - 7:24) plus the final 'Amen' (7:25). These selections, both in the brilliant key of D major, are among the most triumphant and joyous moments in the oratorio, which tells the story of the birth (Christmas), passion, death, and resurrection (Easter) of Jesus and of the eventual resurrection of humankind to the glory of Heaven.

Wells Cathedral's 'Great Choir' of boys, girls and gentlemen, which gathers for Christmas, Easter, and other major feasts and special occasions of the Christian and cathedral year, is accompanied here by another group of young musicians: the Wells Cathedral School Chamber Orchestra.

[ Text: ]

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.
Hallelujah!

(Revelation 19:6; 11:15; 19:16)

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
and hath redeemed us to God by his blood,
to receive power, and riches,
and wisdom, and strength,
and honour,and glory, and blessing.
Blessing and honour, glory and power,
be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne,
and unto the Lamb,
For ever and ever!

Amen.

(Revelation 5:12-14)

[ Recording available on the disk 'Songs of Sunshine' (Regent, 2011). The CD, which is full of popular choral music, is in aid of St Margaret's Hospice. ]