Hallelujah Chorus Piano Solo for Intermediate Level
We are already well on our way to Thanksgiving (U.S.), which means that for musicians, now is the perfect time to be learning Christmas music. And with Thanksgiving arriving early this year, there are 33 whole days to enjoy, play, and perform beloved holiday pieces!
Handel's own manuscript of the final measures of the Hallelujah Chorus
Frequently performed during Christmas and Easter is one of the greatest musical masterpieces of all time: Handel's Messiah Oratorio. Miraculously composed in just three weeks, this celebration of Jesus Christ contains nearly three hours' worth of music. Although much of the original oratorio is less known to the public, most people quickly recognize the "Hallelujah Chorus". It is said that as Handel wrote it, "he saw all heaven before him."
I have been privileged to listen to and perform in Handel's Messiah on multiple occasions, each time both rewarding and memorable. Knowing that others will not all have the same opportunity, I've arranged the favorite Hallelujah Chorus for intermediate piano!
Countless people have told me they wish they could play this piece. I don't blame them -- it's a glorious piece of music! But Hallelujah Chorus piano arrangements are surprisingly rare, and the few I have found are disappointingly short, too advanced, or too simple and unfulfilling. There is a need for a rendition of this religious classic that can be played and enjoyed by pianists around the world.
More pianists can have the opportunity to successfully learn and perform this intermediate piano arrangement of the Hallelujah Chorus. I chose to arrange it for intermediate piano for a few reasons. Many piano students do not advance beyond intermediate level due to other interests, obligations, and "life", and many advanced pianists do not have time to practice and learn every piece they want to! (The story of my life!) This arrangement is within reach of intermediate piano students and can still be quickly learned and enjoyed by advanced pianists.
This Hallelujah Chorus piano sheet music is 5 pages long and is arranged in the original key of D Major. Instead of including only the "Hallelujah" motif over and over, it contains all of the main thematic passages. Like the choir singing in unison "For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth," the hands play in unison, and like the "And he shall reign forever and ever" line passes through the choir from the bass up to the soprano voices, it passes from bass to soprano range on the piano. The exultant high voice singing "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" while the lower voices sing "Forever and ever! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" is also featured -- a rare opportunity to use the sostenuto pedal!
Amid all the Christmas music, both religious and secular, I hope you will take a moment to appreciate the beauty of Handel's Messiah this season. And if you're looking for something new to learn this year, the Hallelujah Chorus could be the perfect choice. Whether you're preparing for a Christmas piano recital, a holiday family gathering, an Easter religious performance, or your own enjoyment, this religious piano solo will surely help you feel like shouting, "Hallelujah!"