A grand anthem from Handel's "Coronation Anthems," written for the 1727 coronation of King George II, showcasing Baroque choral splendor with intricate counterpoint.
One of Handel’s four Coronation Anthems composed for King George II in 1727, "The King Shall Rejoice" is a majestic Baroque work featuring trumpets, choir, and orchestra. Its text, drawn from Psalm 21, celebrates the monarch’s divine right. The anthem’s grandeur and ceremonial splendor align with the coronation ritual’s historic gravity.
Handel's Coronation Anthems, including "The King Shall Rejoice," were composed for the 1727 coronation of King George II. Though now celebrated, the premiere was marred by logistical challenges, such as an imbalance between the large orchestra and small choir in Westminster Abbey’s acoustics, leading to complaints of "confusion" by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
