Coronation of King George II

The Coronation of King George II was a magnificent event, deploying great pomp and ceremonial, elevated by music of an equal splendor. Handel, the celebrated opera composer, was commissioned by the new king to compose the music for this grand ceremony which was due to be held at Westminster Abbey. His antiphons stood by ceremonial works by other composers such as Henry Purcell, John Blow, Thomas Tallis, John Farmer, Orlando Gibbons and William Child, intermingled with superb fanfares and processions of drums. The result is one of the most beautiful ceremonial works ever written for a coronation in England.