In 1727, having just become a naturalised British subject, Handel was commissioned to write a set of anthems for the coronation of George II. Since he could hardly have expected ever to see a more majestic occasion, the composer took full advantage of it to put on a musical firework display of unprecedented splendour. The RIAS Kammerchor and the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin give thrilling accounts of these flamboyant works – some of which are still used today at each new coronation!
George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759)
An Occasional Oratorio HWV 62
· Overture (2'32)
· Allegro (02'30)
· Adagio (02'31)
· Marche (01'36)·William CROFT (1678-1727)
The Lord is a sun and a shield
· Chorus: "The Lord is a sun and a shield" (01'41)
· Verse: "Now I know that the Lord saveth his anointed" (02'13)
· Chorus: "For the king trusteth in the Lord" (01'20)
· Verse: "His salvation is nigh them that fear him" (01'35)
· Chorus: "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel" (01'19)· John BLOW (1649-1708) Chaconne in G majorSol majeur / G-Dur (05'09)· George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759)
Coronation Anthems: Zadok the Priest HWV 258 (05'31)
· Let thy hand be strengthened HWV 259
· Let thy hand (02'59)
· Let justice and judgment (03'23)
· Alleluia (01'58)
· The King shall rejoice HWV 260
· The King shall rejoice (02'45)
· Exceeding glad shall he be (02'51)
· Glory and great worship (02'33)
· Alleluia (02'38)
· My heart is inditing HWV 261
· My heart is inditing (02'43)
· King’s daughters (03'26)
· Upon thy right hand (03'05)
· Kings shall be thy nursing fathers (02'49)
