Composer

:

George Frederick Handel

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

1727

Average_duration

:

37:55

Movement_count

:

12

Movement ....

The Coronation Anthems (4), HWV 258-261, were composed by George Frederick Handel in 1727 for the coronation of King George II and Queen Caroline of England. The anthems were first performed on October 11, 1727, at Westminster Abbey in London. The four movements of the Coronation Anthems are "Zadok the Priest," "Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened," "The King Shall Rejoice," and "My Heart Is Inditing." Each anthem is written for a choir and orchestra, and they are all based on biblical texts. "Zadok the Priest" is the first anthem and is based on the text from 1 Kings 1:38-40. The movement begins with a fanfare and features a solo trumpet. The choir sings the text in a homophonic style, with the melody moving in unison. "Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened" is the second anthem and is based on the text from Psalm 89:13-14. The movement begins with a lively orchestral introduction, and the choir enters with a fugue. The movement features a number of solo sections for the choir and orchestra. "The King Shall Rejoice" is the third anthem and is based on the text from Psalm 21:1-2. The movement begins with a grand orchestral introduction, and the choir enters with a fugue. The movement features a number of solo sections for the choir and orchestra, including a duet for two sopranos. "My Heart Is Inditing" is the fourth and final anthem and is based on the text from Psalm 45:1-2. The movement begins with a gentle orchestral introduction, and the choir enters with a fugue. The movement features a number of solo sections for the choir and orchestra, including a duet for two altos. The Coronation Anthems are characterized by their grandeur and majesty, reflecting the pomp and circumstance of a royal coronation. Handel's use of choral fugues and orchestral fanfares adds to the regal atmosphere of the anthems. The anthems have remained popular to this day and are often performed at royal events and ceremonies.

More....