to plague Handel, 9 yet the King of England attended the performance. As the first notes of the triumphant “Hallelujah Chorus” rang out, the king rose. Following royal protocol, the entire audience stood too, initiating a tradition which has lasted for more than two centuries. Soon after this, Handel’s fortunes began to increase dramatically, and his hard-won popularity remained constant until his death. By the end of his long life, Messiah was firmly established in the standard repertoire. Its