Voices of Connection: 02/23 Happy Birthday Handel!
This famous and remarkable ceremonial piece was composed in 1727 for the coronation of King George II in Westminster Abbey, and it has been performed at every single English coronation since. The work begins with one of the greatest choral entries in all of music: a long orchestral introduction begins, calmly and quietly with raising violin arpeggios. Little by little it builds and subsides. Then a huge crescendo leads to the extraordinary entrance of the chorus, brass and timpani. It continues with peerless ceremony and brilliance. “Long live the King” indeed!
– Dennis Keene
HANDEL Coronation Anthem: Zadok the Priest
Voices of Ascension Chorus and Orchestra
Dennis Keene, Artistic Director and Conductor
Filmed live in concert on January 29, 2020, Church of the Ascension, NYC
The singers in this performance are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists, AFL-CIO.