Hallelujah Chorus

There are lots of heated comments on YouTube right now debating whether or not a Christian piece such as the Hallelujah Chorus is appropriate for schools, and if this particular performance is disrespectful.

I think people getting worked up over the religious content--one way or another--are off the mark. If students or audiences want to relate to it religiously, fine, but the reason it's part of school music programs is because it's a great piece of music, not because a majority of the county is Christian, as some have suggested.

When I say "great" I'm not just making a value judgment; the Hallelujah Chorus is like a European cathedral--a colossal, historically significant accomplishment. If you were a student of architectural history, you'd study how cathedrals were built and understand how they represented the cutting-edge building techniques of their time. You'd probably walk inside a few of them. If you did, you'd likely feel a sense of awe, regardless of whether or not you're a Christian believer.

One can gain equivalent musical understanding through experiencing pieces like the Hallelujah Chorus, and be inspired by their construction and beauty, as well--which is why high school kids should sing them. In fact, it's impossible to be well informed about the roots of contemporary music without studying the religious music of the past.

As for the video, I think it's funny. Having some creative fun with the piece may, or may not, do justice to it's depth of expression and technique. But it doesn't, in my opinion, degrade it or reduce our ability to take it seriously.