Handel: Zadok the Priest | The English Concert & Händelfestspielorchester Halle

Exuberant and regal: Two of the world’s most noted Baroque orchestras, the English Concert and the Händelfestspielorchester Halle, played “Zadok the Priest” HWV 258 under the baton of Howard Arman as part of the Handel Celebration Concert on 14 April 2009. The performance took place in the spectacular Market Church of Halle, where Handel was baptized in 1685.
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) composed “Zadok the Priest” for the coronation of the British monarch George II and queen consort Caroline of Ansbach, in 1727. At the time of composition, Handel had already lived in London for over a decade, and he would remain there until his death in 1759. In February 1727, mere months before the coronation of George II, the German born Handel became a British citizen - a highly complicated process at the time, which demonstrates Handel’s commitment to the country.
“Zadok the Priest” is one of four anthems Handel composed for the coronation celebration in 1727. The work was first played for George II and has been performed at the coronation of every British monarch since then - most recently at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The text for “Zadok the Priest'' was picked by Handel himself. The composer is quoted to have said the following words upon receiving a text suggestion by the bishops: “I have read my Bible very well, and shall choose for myself”.
The opening of the piece is carried by a ceremonial and regal string section which gradually builds up, before finally bursting into a triumphant eruption of trumpets and a choir which sings:
“Zadok the Priest
And Nathan the Prophet
Anointed Solomon King”
The exuberant quality of the choir continues to develop over the following bars and eventually culminates in an ecstatically joyful “God save the King!” - highly fitting for the ceremonial setting it is usually performed in.
Artists:
The English Concert
Händelfestspielorchester Halle
MDR Rundfunkchor
Hallenser Madrigalisten
Händelfestspielchor
Chor der Oper Halle
Howard Arman, conductor
© EuroArts Music International
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#GeorgeFridericHandel #ZadokTheKing #CoronationAnthem

[@Dominian1]

For those wondering: Yes, they based the Champion's League theme on Zadok the Priest by Händel, who explicitly wrote this for the coronation of George II..

[@tonicosta2887]

The Chaaampioons

[@darktyrannosaurus22]

@@tonicosta2887 LES GRANDES ÉQUIPES!!

[@nenomorilla7733]

THY CHAMPIOOOONNSS

[@johart309]

siiiie siiiind diiiiieeee beeeesteeeeeen

[@dubbyx8490]

Thanks for letting the Plebs know 😀

[@b5Bart]

die meister die basten les grandes equipes THE CHAMPIONS

[@shireknight01]

Stunning and to think in the days when this was performed there were no recording devices, so if you were lucky enough to hear it in a concert or a coronation it would probably be the only time you would ever hear it in your life so it would have a profound effect on you.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

You are so right!

[@mikemikey4287]

Absolutely correct

[@DavyBrando]

@@1258-EckhartNo, “effect” is correct here. “Affect” is a verb and would not follow “profound”. You could say “profoundly affected”, however.

[@1258-Eckhart]

@@DavyBrando Hmm, you're right 🏳🏳🏳

[@DavyBrando]

@@1258-Eckhart No worries, dude. It can get confusing!

[@Kari_B61ex]

The orchestra and choir at Westminster Abbey on the 6th May 2023 for the Coronation of King Charles III did not disappoint. It was amazing and majestic.

[@stevenj6794]

@@mrmc2465 indeed

[@filipbabic4913]

​@@mrmc2465 🤓

[@micoforion]

@@mrmc2465 First one is renowned world class orchestra, it is not German but English, with the German choir, however the royal coronation indeed wasn't up to par.

[@willx9352]

@@micoforionThe two cannot be compared. This one is a concert performance with a huge adult choir and orchestra optimally placed for hearing the music. The coronation performance was in the context of a liturgy with the orchestra up in the loft and liturgical choir consisting of a large number of children placed well away from the orchestra and neither were necessarily positioned for the focus to be on the music. In other words one was musical performance for the entertainment of listeners, the other was an act of worship and the living context for which this piece was composed. Both have their merits.

[@Amthaus2600]

The Choir was good but not the Royal Fools.😅

[@esmeephillips5888]

'To him I bow the knee, for Handel is the greatest, ablest composer who ever lived.' (Beethoven)

[@michaelbock19641]

but only because during Bethoven's lifetime Johan Sebastian Bach was forgotten🤔😉

[@davidfiler7439]

@@michaelbock19641 Agreed.

[@folarinisrael1529]

Was this an actually quote from the great beethoven??

[@slowcooker100]

Perhaps the best performance I've heard, and I've heard many. On a acale of one to ten, I give this twenty. Hopefully these musicians can perform at King Charles coronation.

[@e.conboy4286]

Thrilling performance isn’t it?

[@mikeoglen6848]

@@e.conboy4286 Magnificent!

[@sistafila]

I agree with your assessment.

[@medislava]

I agree!!!

[@conchamarfernandezrocca1494]

that would be beautiful, it would raise everyone's spirits

[@gix2lee]

I am surprised that I have tears listening to this. It’s so dramatic, majestic, spiritual … holy cow. I can’t wait to hear this during King Charles’ coronation.

[@krisfawcett6119]

I just heard it for the first time and it gave me chills. At least as good as "Hallelujah Chorus", if not better.

[@rivenoak]

the assembled choir in the abbey nailed it :D

[@ronin3381]

It was glorious

[@Greylin91]

Did you like it?

[@TIMG128]

me too!

[@jonathanmills5662]

This is a stunning piece of music. The way it builds, ebbs and flows. Such depth. Utter majesty. Stupendous.

[@kyhber1]

When Mozart admires your work as he did Handel , That speaks for itself... Enough said ..

[@saltcots8985]

As did Beethoven. He was presented with the complete works of Handel in the latest edition by his London publisher, and is said to have pointed at the scores and to have exclaimed: "There is the truth!"

[@brucekuehn4031]

1685 - JS Bach and GF Handel born in the same year. Think about that for a minute!

[@kyhber1]

@@brucekuehn4031 Yeah but did Bach have substantial shares in Slave trade Stocks? ..For all the wonderful even Angelica Music Handel Composed we know he did ...

[@Mickyway]

@@kyhber1 it was just an investment of the time people didn't think twice about it. Some people will scorn people for holding stocks in arms companies whilst others just see it as an investment.

[@ronniedodge3299]

This is incredible we will probably hear this in May with Charles coronation

[@juliaperry2812]

you will

[@timbredan3476]

yes it was magnificently performed at the coronation

[@cristianantunovic8430]

In this masterpiece it were based on to create the UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE anthem. Awesome!!!

[@emu9520]

Nothing beats the classical unearthly music of such composers. Spine tingling ....soul searing....life affirming

[@karennoble1076]

I fully!! agree with you, e mu, and this is such magnificent piece, i get goose bumps. For me, it was the best part of the coronation.

[@genburke2656]

Absolutely Divine.

[@johanndominik2032]

I'm so looking forward to hearing this magnificent piece in 3 weeks at King Charles' coronation.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

👍

[@I.AM.JUPITER]

Indeed!

[@clavichord]

Well, as the Coronation costs £250,000,000 of British taxpayer money, I'm sure Händel's anthem will sound good

[@kasiphia]

​@@clavichord 3 dollars per person? I'd gladly pay 1000 times to keep my country's traditions alive. Long live the monarchy. God save the king.

[@clavichord]

@@kasiphia As you are a subject of King Charles III, you best start subjecting yourself to his will then... and subjects should be seen and not heard. I'm not a subject and don't intend to become one either, lol

[@KittyKat-bf8bk]

Handel's music is just so thrilling.

[@TXMagiDude]

I honestly had no idea how much the music of Handel had meant to me over the years. This performance reawakened my love for his work. Thank you so much for sharing this DW

[@OGMagiDude]

💯

[@TXMagiDude]

This composition soars! @@OGMagiDude

[@crml2012]

Handel and Bach music bring good memories of my childhood musical education.

[@AntonievanTonder]

I love it when Handel said, “I have read my Bible very well, and shall choose for myself”. His music truly displays his faith. The Messiah - I believe - was directly inspired by the Holy Spirit.

[@papagen00]

what 'holy spirit'?

[@AntonievanTonder]

@@papagen00 there is only one Holy Spirit

[@papagen00]

What do you say to an atheist who also enjoys this music? Great art transcends all politics and religion.

[@AntonievanTonder]

Enjoy the music. You'll find the truth sometimes. No need to argue.

[@jeromejerome9395]

@@papagen00 Transcends to where?

[@ursulajenni6521]

This piece of music is so magnificent, so spiritually inspired that my heart melts and I stand in awe and adoration before the Almighty God, holding my breath for a while, not even noticing it! Thank you DW for sharing!!!❤

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Our pleasure 🙂

[@KR-ll4dj]

So, the backstory--such that I've been able to reconstruct it--is that Handel, having lived there for a while, had wanted to become a Brit, and as George II took the helm, well in advance of his coronation, he granted Handel British citizenship. In gratitude, Handel wrote this coronation anthem, which has been used for such ever since.

[@paulwusteman9963]

He wrote 4 anthems for George II's coronation. The others are wonderful as well - collectively known as the Coronation Anthems ,Find the Harry Christophers performances at the Promenade Concerts in the Albert Hall.

[@wmtung]

Thsnk God for DW! In crazy world, DW still has a sense of grace.❤️

[@mrmikecrocodile4238]

When I hear this I am proud to be British.

[@adonisfridolin4773]

British Music written from a German HAHAHAHAHA

[@puffeiffer]

@@adonisfridolin4773 when you’re right, you’re right

[@ryandanngetich2524]

​@adonisfridolin4773 No, he was German British, plus he composed it in England, not Germany for a British King

[@adonisfridolin4773]

@@ryandanngetich2524 Händel was born in Halle an der Saale. Does it sound very british for you? And what is also very funny: the "british" king he composed Zadok the King, wasn`t able to speak English because he was german...

[@davidfiler7439]

@@adonisfridolin4773 He spoke French, German, English and Italian and I wouldn't be surprised to hear that his written English wasn't superior to yours.

[@qprx]

I sang this at our National Symphony Hall last month with a huge massed choir, and what can I say! No audio or video can ever truly capture the sheer magnificence of listening to this masterpiece in real life. Especially hearing every voice and the whole orchestra sing in tutti after the long introduction at 1:51 in setting is so breathtaking! 😍 One of my favorite choral works ever, would highly recommend experiencing the real thing! :)

[@ken1midjourney]

wow

[@qprx]

@@ken1midjourney wow indeed! truly splendid :)

[@e.conboy4286]

Love this tempo.

[@Heikinnen0301]

Long live the King! God save the King! Long live the King! Hallelujah Amen! ✝️🇬🇧👑✝️

[@robertwidmark2971]

The only thing better would have been to hear this performance live.

[@gracepei2115]

Wow 🤩 this was an exquisite work! Hallelujah, Amen 🙏 May God Bless you all!

[@sylaq1151]

How can one nation knock-out so many wonderful composers? As a Brit (with some German ancestry) I'm in awe of that nation. We just can't compete...

[@jamesderwin]

This song and it being a bank holiday, really made a special a weekend in my garden. The black birds are still singing, relentless.

[@quaver1239]

Splendid music, and a church to match. Thank you so, so much.

[@ken1midjourney]

so true

[@Audiofreund2]

The coronation ceremony is one of the absolute pineacles of european civilization. Greetings from Germany and Poland.

[@MaxVliet]

😂😂😂

[@archiebald4717]

Beautiful! RIP Queen Elizabeth II.

[@sistafila]

Wow! It is truly powerful. The entrance was a statement.

[@edwardmilligan9821]

I hope this is played at king Charles111 coronation, it is so moving.

[@RegistroAudiovisualJS]

Finally, is the music of the coronation of the king

[@Kari_B61ex]

It was!

[@balsham137]

'And here he is again, here he is again..that's astonishing Its ABSOLUTELY WORLD CLAAASSSSS'

[@ebob4177]

Away from two, three, four...wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. How good is he? A near supernatural goal...

[@balsham137]

​@ebob4177 '...from Lionel Messi, he is just brilliant.'

[@lbco5229]

Remarkable musicians, performing stunning music in the most magnificent cathedrals in the world. The tops of humanity on so many levels. Love it!

[@bainganabarnabas4575]

I feel so touched when I listened to the performance of this choir. Thank you so much for perfecting the song I like most. GUT!DANKE,DANKE!

[@Bailey2006a]

Interesting hearing this sung in “ german- accented” English … wonderful performance !

[@Dominian1]

Very fitting for Händel, who emigrated at the age of 27 and became a natural British citizen later in life.

[@alexmulaku7530]

Exquisite rendition. You couldn't fail to hear "the pippel" rejoice. Nice German touch.

[@dantedante839]

Most people in Germanic languages can pronounce the final -le / -el in English. People, battle, squirrel, handle, etc.

[@ktwashere5637]

So after the Coronation I am basically going from one version of Zadok the Priest to another. This has an incredible venue.

[@gurneyk2830]

This was outstanding!! Our choir Adelaide Philharmonia Chorus is performing the whole Coronation Anthems on Sat May 20th here at Eldler Hall in Adelaide University.. looking fwd to singing them !

[@michaelbock19641]

this performance is breathtakingly beautiful, i have never heard it better

[@memattia3198]

Baroque trumpets! ❤️

[@lucianapennelli8514]

I sometimes listent to Handel's masterpiece at home and when I do ,so fo my neighbours. Beutifil video.

[@Stefan_G.]

Ganz toll! Bin ganz begeistert! Schöne Unterhaltung, an einem verregneten Sonntag.

[@ColinWren119]

This is by far the best version I have ever heard!

[@carlberg7503]

Magnificent. The opening section is numinous . . . .

[@carlosdescartincristellys8273]

Maravilloso George Frederic Handel.Bellísimo y emocionante el concierto.Espectacular orquesta y coro.Gracias.

[@joantrilla9425]

Precioso lastima que dure poco EMOCIONA TE ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@justinshabtai]

As a Jew, I honestly can't describe how incredible and humbling it feels to listen to choir from one of the most powerful monarchies in recent history sing about our national history and ancient monarchs.

[@hugor1338]

Touched, mate: feeling is mutual. Where is the King of the Jews?

[@MiguelQuienComoEl]

"Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:" (Isaiah 55:5-6) "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken." (Isaiah 53:6-8)

[@Apriluser]

I Kings 1 was our reading in Morning Prayer (American Anglican here). Zadok was mentioned several times and one of those in our prayer group sent us this like following prayer. Magnificat recording!

[@billwatt2528]

The ability of our species to create this music surely shows that there is indeed a spark of divinity in the human race

[@Trajan32]

played to perfection as I hear it. well done!

[@Artist_Aejoo]

늘 기대를 저버리지 않는 DW Classical Music 🎶 감사해요 😊

[@DWClassicalMusic]

😊

[@johnreynolds5407]

Exquisite. Such an exciting work.

[@johnburke-l5f]

Wonderful music and chorus

[@johnhuffman5608]

A great piece of sacred music and Bessie's favorite when performed at appropriate royal events.

[@claireb9127]

💐💐💐Just beautiful, thank you 💐💐💐

[@westminster860]

This seems to be the best recording of this piece. I love how we can hear the Kings English pronounced so well.

[@acsw1984]

This gives me goosebumps.

[@e.p3509]

"These are the Chaaaaaaaanpions!"🎶🎵😂

[@itamarferreiradecarvalho487]

Esplêndido! Simplesmente esplendido!

[@mikeoglen6848]

It is indeed Simply Splendid!

[@luisbaldavira3877]

Sem palavras, Esplêndido.....Deus abençoe e proteja imensamente à Charles III

[@matthewsnkausu8192]

This performance was simply the BEST!!!

[@albertwessels71]

so beautiful,thanks.

[@mirozaninovich3014]

Wow , the best version, nicely paced brilliant musicians , the male base, just glorious , what human can write something like this....x

[@alfonsochincaro2]

Thanks, very beautiful music.

[@markstafford6357]

Absolutely Wonderful .

[@AkashitheCapitalist]

God save the King, may his reign be long

[@Inkkan]

Everybody else: how many trumpets do you need? Händel : I don't understand the question! 😅

[@DWClassicalMusic]

😄

[@francisco-javiervargasmont1227]

Beautiful and glorious 👏👏👏

[@fivebells7842]

thank you for this perfection and in Handel's place of baptism 🌷

[@marlonsegura5201]

How can the audience react in a such a boring way to this MASTER PIECE?

[@bradleyrule6071]

they are Germans.

[@laslasman564]

Conductor makes music breathe....with subtle nuances and phrasing... journeying thro it's climaxes.. brilliant

[@davidhawkins5329]

I enjoy Handel since I was young. I have seen this title before but am only hearing it now for the first time. Wow brisk & beautiful.

[@samajier2566]

Thank you for sharing

[@jonm2969]

Wonderful and rousing execution! Vielen danke! 🙂

[@missmaryhdream6560]

Much loved, one of our musical blessings x

[@elainaworsley470]

Magnificent ❤

[@robertmarsh3588]

Wonderful performance! Marvellous to hear and see thus fabulous piece once again performed at a Coronation, for Charles III almost 300 years after its composition and premiere.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

We're glad you enjoyed it. Make sure to follow us for the latest uploads 😊

[@Dogsnark]

My favorite 6 minutes of music! Is there anther piece of celebratory music that could rival this for its pure grandeur and perfection?!

[@stephenburnage7687]

The Hallelujah Chorus, also by Handel, comes close.

[@SilvioNobre]

Handel incrível!

[@venca2]

Such a strong and clear rendition ❤!

[@merrowyndeacon5129]

This was a great performance and in Halle as well, long associated with Handel, and the Bach family. I've been there a few times, but the place when the Handel Festival was on a few years ago, so didn't get to any events. Merrowyn

[@merrowyndeacon5129]

Halle was flooded. This happens from time to time in Germany and Italy etc. Merrowyn

[@vivianecristinadacunhaoliv8511]

Stunning!

[@yortsemloh1156]

Glorious!

[@TheProms]

Priceless.

[@edaxsachorwzky8898]

Handel’s nickname given to him by the Italians was, The Great Saxon

[@massimocosta8533]

The Italians named him "Caro Sassone", i. e. DEAR Saxon

[@edaxsachorwzky8898]

@@massimocosta8533 thanks for the correction

[@samiraljoburi1198]

The European Champions League piece was based on this tune by Tony Britton composer

[@hlondon2408]

Fantastic. The Conductor feels every note of this masterpiece by George Frédéric Handel. It is very beautifully played and sung by these superior musicians.

[@DWClassicalMusic]

We're glad you enjoyed it. Make sure to follow us in order to not miss out in the future 😊

[@alessandrociancarelli3112]

Meravigliosi

[@janmitchell641]

Wow! Spectacular!

[@arlenehensley6753]

Fantastic!

[@Joao-no8nq]

The coronation of a Monarch is something divine, the Monarchy is divine, it has a connection with God. Die Krönung eines Monarchen ist etwas Göttliches, die Monarchie ist göttlich, sie hat eine Verbindung zu Gott. Wonderful, Wonderful.👏👏👏👏👏👏.

[@carlosdescartincristellys8273]

En mi comentario se me ha olvidado añadir por los maravillosos momentos que nos hacéis pasar mí agradecimiento cargado de cariño a vosotros DW.🌹😇

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Muchisimas gracias! Nos alegra que lo haya disfrutado! Saludos desde Berlín 😊

[@carlosdescartincristellys8273]

Muchas gracias,desde Zaragoza,España.🤗

[@MikaelTheT]

Holly crap! I've heard 6 or 7 other versions of this and this is by far the best one. It really makes a difrence with a choir this big (as oppoced to 20 people) and the tempo is spot on (IMO) :)

[@desallen2174]

Totally, utterly stunning. Nothing to do with god or the holy spirit. The product of a man. Albeit, a musical genius.

[@c-historia]

magnificent!

[@TheSheiban]

I've found a lot of classical music which I didn't know the name of on this channel!

[@DWClassicalMusic]

That's great! Thank you for watching and stay tuned! 😊

[@marlonf.]

Magnífico.

[@antonellapavone347]

Lovely ♥️

[@dianacarolinagonzalez6402]

Hermoso 🤩. Con esto llego al cielo

[@user-yp6km8wm9q]

この曲を聴くと力が湧いてきます。この演奏も素晴らしいです。

[@DWClassicalMusic]

Thank you for your comment. If possible, please comment in English next time so that more people can follow the discussion. All the best!

[@user-yp6km8wm9q]

@@DWClassicalMusic Thank you for your good advice.

[@romanonishchenko4789]

Красота. Великолепие. Мастерство. 💐💐💐💐👏👏👍👍👍

[@101325]

Wonderful