Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What musical textures are used in the Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
George Frideric Handel
George Frideric Handel, oil on canvas by Thomas Hudson, c. 1736; in the Foundling Museum, London.
The "Hallelujah Chorus" from George Frideric Handel's Messiah utilizes a blend of musical textures characteristic of the Baroque era. The choral writing alternates between two primary styles:
- Homophonic harmony: Passages where chords support a single, dominant melody.
- Polyphonic complexity: Sections featuring simultaneous, equally important melodic lines.
Additionally, the chorus incorporates a fugue on the phrase "And he shall reign" during its final pages, further showcasing the intricate contrapuntal techniques employed by the composer.1