George Frideric Handel, Coronation Anthems (1727)

In February 1727, German composer George Frideric Handel was naturalised as a British citizen by a special act of Parliament. He had settled in England in 1712 and became one of the most prominent composers in the country, appointed Composer of the Chapel Royal to King George I in 1723. It was King George I who signed Handel’s naturalisation act — and after his unexpected death, Handel’s first commission as a British citizen was to compose music to celebrate the coronation of his son, King George II.

All these four anthems, which were played during the coronation of King George II and Queen Caroline in Westminster Abbey, have become extremely popular. But Zadok the Priest stands apart as probably one of the more recognisable pieces of classical music ever written. The gradual opening build-up that bursts unexpectedly into a euphoric proclamation has become the prototypical example of musical majesty, and it’s still used for coronations.

Like the Beethoven ‘Moonlight’ Sonata that we had earlier in the series, though, the fame of the coronation anthems can make our ears switch off to just how incredible this music is. So if you know these pieces, imagine you’ve never heard them before, if you can. Let them surprise you. Listen for the drama and unadulterated joy in Zadok, the gentleness in My heart is inditing, the freedom in The King shall rejoice (the exquisitely lilting sequences of ‘Exceeding glad shall he be’!), and the gravity and pathos in Let thy hand be strengthened. And if you’ve not heard them before — enjoy!!

There are four anthems:

1. Zadok the Priest

2. The King shall rejoice

3. Let thy hand be strengthened

4. My heart is inditing

• How do these anthems make you think about power?

• When is a moment that you have felt truly happy?

The Sixteen & Harry Christophers, Handel: Coronation Anthems

There are so many recordings of these anthems that it’s hard to choose between them. I’ve gone for The Sixteen led by Harry Christophers, because they manage to bring that freshness to these pieces that I value so much. Every note is crisp, clear and articulated, the whole thing dances — this is a wonderful recording.

Thank you so much to everybody who has subscribed for this series. I’ve loved listening along with you all. And if you’re new to Slow Listening — welcome! You can read my post explaining why I decided to start a Slow Listening club below, as well as my guidelines for slow listening.