Composer: George Frideric Handel
Works: Coronation of George II; I was glad when they said unto me (Purcell); O God, the Father of Heaven (Tallis); Come Holy Ghost (Farmer); Behold, O God our Defender (Blow); The King shall rejoice (Handel); Te Deum (Gibbons); God spake sometime in visions (Blow); My heart is inditing (Handel); March (Handel)
Performers: The King’s Consort; The Choir of the King’s Consort; Robert King (conductor)
Recording: HYPERION CDA67286
Label: Hyperion
The Coronation of George II, recorded by Robert King and The King’s Consort, offers a compelling auditory experience that bridges the historical significance of the event with the artistic vigor of the music that accompanied it. Handel’s illustrious contributions, particularly his four coronation anthems, take center stage, yet the program also showcases a rich tapestry of works by Purcell, Blow, Tallis, and Gibbons, reflecting the diverse musical heritage that informed the ceremonial grandeur of 1727. This compilation serves not only as a celebration of royal pageantry but also as a testament to the collaborative spirit of English choral music across centuries.
King’s interpretation reveals a profound understanding of the ceremonial context, deftly balancing the jubilant with the reverent. The inclusion of Purcell’s “I was glad when they said unto me” is particularly striking; its flowing melodic lines and vibrant choral textures evoke the exhilaration of the moment. The performance captures the essence of a public celebration, with the choir’s voices soaring above the instrumental accompaniment, yet it is the subtle interplay of dynamics that truly brings this music to life. The decision to adopt slightly slower tempos across the board seems intentional, allowing the listener to savor the intricacies of the counterpoint, particularly in Handel’s “Zadok the Priest,” where the fateful opening chords resonate with a thrilling immediacy.
Recording quality plays a crucial role in how the music is perceived. Hyperion’s engineering successfully creates a sound world that, while lacking the actual acoustics of Westminster Abbey, nonetheless conveys a sense of spaciousness. The presence of the musicians is palpably felt, even if one might wish for a little more resonance to suggest the grandeur of the original setting. The occasional background noise, reminiscent of urban life, provides an ironic counterpoint to the solemnity of the occasion, yet it does little to detract from the overall experience. The clarity of the choral lines and the orchestral detail is commendable, making it easy to appreciate the harmonic subtleties in Blow’s “God spake sometime in visions,” a piece that, despite its relative obscurity, stands shoulder to shoulder with Handel’s more famous works.
The juxtaposition of older pieces, like Tallis’s Litany responses, with the high baroque style of Handel creates a fascinating historical continuum. It invites reflection on the evolution of English choral music, showcasing the deep roots from which Handel’s work springs. The performance of these older works, particularly the moving simplicity of Tallis, evokes a sense of continuity and reverence, connecting the coronation congregation not only to their immediate context but also to a lineage of sacred music stretching back to the Renaissance.
This recording stands as a significant contribution to the canon of baroque choral music, enhanced by Kings’s meticulous attention to historical detail and the vibrant execution by The King’s Consort. The thoughtful programming, coupled with superb performances, renders this double disc a remarkable experience for both aficionados and newcomers alike. The music, rich in emotion and historical resonance, is delivered with a fervor that invites repeated listening. As such, Robert King’s interpretation of these coronation anthems and their accompanying works not only honors the legacy of the composers but also revitalizes the spirit of the occasion for a modern audience. A triumph of both scholarship and artistry, this recording is an essential addition to any classical music collection.
