In the "Hallelujah!" chorus, how many melodies does Handel use, repeating them for the same words?

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Prepare for the UCF MUL2010 Enjoyment of Music Exam with multiple-choice questions and flashcards. Understand music theory and history for successful exam results.

In Handel's "Hallelujah!" chorus from the oratorio "Messiah," he employs a structure that features a notable use of repetition and contrast. Specifically, he uses three distinct melodies across different sections of the text. This approach not only enhances the text's emotional impact but also contributes to the grandeur and celebratory nature of the chorus. Each melody corresponds to a phrase of the text, effectively emphasizing the joyous proclamation of "Hallelujah." Thus, understanding that Handel takes this approach helps appreciate his compositional technique, which contrasts with more simplistic methods of melody and text setting.