Coronation Anthem, 1-4, Etc: Christophers / The Sixteen

Harry Christophers and The Sixteen add a brand new recording of Handel’s Coronation Anthems to their stunning catalog of Handel discs, released for the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death. Handel’s celebrated anthems are among his best-loved works, written in 1727 for the Coronation of the new monarch, King George II. The Coronation Anthems have delighted audiences ever since and appear in all
their glory on this recording, interspersed with a selection of Handel favorites.

Handel’s Coronation Anthems have delighted audiences ever since their first performance in 1727. They appear in all their glory on this recording interspersed with a selection of Handel favourites including an interesting version of his Organ Concerto in F Major Opus 4 in its original version with the finale of an Hallelujah chorus.

One of Handel’s first tasks as a naturalized British Citizen was to write the music for the Coronation of the new monarch – King George II. Rarely did a composer of the day have such an audience for his new works and Handel composed his four Anthems to match the pomp and grandeur of the occasion and, of course, the venue Westminsterter Abbey.

G. F. HANDEL

Coronation Anthems Nos. 1 - 4
-1.Zadok the Priest
-2.Let thy hand be strengthened
-3.The King shall rejoice
-4.My heart is inditing

Excerpts from Messiah
Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (from Solomon)
Organ Concerto No. 4 in F major, HWV292, Op. 4 No. 4

The Sixteen
Harry Christophers, conductor