George Frideric Handel: Coronation Anthem III: The King shall Rejoice (1727)
In 1727, Handel had just become a British subject by naturalisation when, through virtue of his post as Composer for the Chapel Royal, he was asked to provide the four anthems for the coronation of King George II and Queen Caroline. The King Shall Rejoice is the third of these anthems, sung at the moment of the actual crowning of the King. The anthem was presumably intended to be timed so that the words 'set a crown of pure gold upon his head' coincided with the moment of crowning, but there were practical difficulties at the coronation, with so many performers crowded in that many had obstructed views and there was some 'confusion', so this may not have been achieved. Certainly though the music moves towards this climax, and Handel was able to make full use of the unusually large forces the coronation provided - perhaps as many as forty voices and 160 instrumentalists. The overall effect therefore is one of overwhelming power and jubilation, yet there are also gentler contrasts such as 'exceeding glad shall he be', providing a skilful variety within a relatively short piece.
Richard Smith conducts the Froxfield Choir in a performance of the first section of Handel's Coronation Anthem, The King Shall Rejoice. Recorded during a concert in Privett Church, June 2009.
The King shall rejoice in thy strength, O Lord.
Exceeding glad shall he be of thy salvation.
Glory and worship hast thou laid upon him.
Thou hast prevented him with the blessings of goodness,
and hast set a crown of pure gold upon his head.Alleluia.
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