Question

“Wachet Auf” (Sleeper’s Awake) by J.S. Bach is an example of a chorale from a Baroque Cantata. “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah is an example of a chorale from a Baroque Oratorio. Compare the two chorales. Which is exuberant and which is statelier?

Answer 1

Bach's "Wachet Auf" is commonly performed during the season of Advent, when many Christian churches observe a time of expectancy while awaiting Christmas. The chorale thus has a suitably mystical and reverential tone. Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus", on the other hand, is celebratory, powerful, and climactic.
   Thus, "Hallelujah Chorus" is more exuberant while "Wachet Auf" is more stately.