It was Handel who was commissioned to compose the ceremonial music that accompanied her reign—“The King Shall Rejoice” played at her and George’s coronation, the “Queen Caroline” Te Deum, written for her arrival in England, and also “The Ways of Zion do Mourn,” composed for her funeral.
In this recording which, for the first time, brings together these three works illustrating the very strong link between the queen and her chosen artist, the choir and orchestra of Les Arts Florissants, whose ranks were enlarged for the occasion, bring back to life music that is at once flamboyant and poignantly human.
This box set includes a specially commissioned text by Douglas Kennedy, “At the Concert.”
Works
The King shall rejoice - Coronation Anthem, HWV 260 (1727)
Te Deum in D major, “Queen Caroline”, HWV 280 (1714)
The ways of Zion do mourn - Funeral Anthem for Queen Caroline, HWV 264 (1737)
The performers
William Christie, musical direction
Choir and Orchestra of Les Arts Florissants
Soloists for the Te Deum
Tim Mead, countertenor
Sean Clayton, tenor
Lisandro Abadie, bass-baritone
