And The Glory Of The Lord

"And the Glory of the Lord" is one of the most beloved choruses from George Frederic Handel’s grand oratorio, Messiah. Drawn from the words of the prophet Isaiah, this majestic piece announces the coming of the Saviour with a bright, joyful energy. For many Nigerian choirs, mastering this chorus is a rite of passage, often prepared for grand Advent concerts, Christmas carol services, or classical music festivals.

The music is set in a lively triple meter, giving it a sweeping, waltz-like momentum that carries the singers forward. As the different voice parts enter—first the altos, then the tenors, basses, and sopranos—they weave together in a brilliant choral conversation. Singing "and all flesh shall see it together" requires the whole choir to lock in perfectly, building to those powerful, unified declarations that the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

It is a piece that demands stamina and precise timing from every section, but the reward is immense. When the final, solemn "hath spoken it" rings out in the closing Adagio section, it leaves both the choir and the congregation with a profound sense of awe and divine promise.