The Power of Music during Uncertain Times: Randall Thompson’s “Alleluia”
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
written by Ilona Kubiaczyk-Adler
In the summer of 1940, American composer Randall Thompson premiered his choral work “Alleluia” at the inaugural Berkshire Music Center festival (now Tanglewood Music Center) in Lenox, Massachusetts. The piece would become one of the most frequently performed American choral works of the 20th century. How come?
The work was commissioned by Serge Koussevitzky, the renowned conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, who requested a fanfare-like piece for chorus and orchestra to serve as a festival opener. It was scheduled to be premiered at a crucial moment in world history - while the United States hadn’t yet entered World War II, the war was raging in Europe. France had fallen, the Battle of Britain was about to begin, and there was tremendous anxiety in America about whether the country would be drawn into the conflict.
Rather than crafting elaborate text or complex musical architecture, Thompson made a remarkably simple yet profound choice: to create an a cappella choral piece set to just one word - “Alleluia.” This decision proved both practical and inspired, creating a work accessible to choruses of all skill levels while carrying universal meaning that transcends language barriers.
In this historical context, Thompson’s choice to write a spiritually uplifting piece takes on additional significance. The work offered a message of hope during an increasingly uncertain time. Some musicologists suggest that the piece’s character - its mixture of solemnity and celebration, its moments of tension resolved into triumph - reflects the emotional climate of the era, as Americans grappled with their role in world events while trying to maintain faith in democratic ideals.
While Thompson didn’t compose it as an explicitly wartime piece, the “Alleluia” became more meaningful as the war progressed, offering choirs and audiences a way to express both their fears and their faith. By using a single word that carries spiritual significance across cultures, Thompson created a work that could unite diverse voices in common purpose. The piece’s accessibility meant it could be performed by amateur and professional choirs alike, extending its reach throughout American communities and contributing to its enduring popularity.
Pinnacle Chancel Choir will deliver this powerful anthem during our upcoming Veterans Day Tribute on November 9th at 3 pm in the Sanctuary.