What practice is said to have originated with King George II during the London premiere of Messiah?

The practice that originated with King George II during the London premiere of "Messiah" is that the audience rises for the "Hallelujah" chorus. This event took place in 1743 when King George II stood up during the performance, prompting the audience to do the same. This spontaneous act of rising has since become a tradition associated with the "Hallelujah" chorus, symbolizing reverence for the music and its themes of divinity.

This tradition reflects the powerful impact of the piece, particularly during the climactic moment of the chorus, which celebrates Christ's resurrection. The custom is emblematic of the combination of music and cultural practice, showing how the audience's response can become part of the concert experience itself. Over time, this response has been embraced widely, not only in classical performances but also in various popular renditions of "Messiah."