Zadok The Priest - Westminster Abbey Choir and Choristers of the Chapel Royal

The choir of Westminster Abbey and the choristers of the Chapel Royal sing G. F. Handel's coronation anthem Zadok The Priest during the Royal Maunday Service 2011.
Information on Maunday Money. en.wikipedia.or...

[@jeffochs6713]

“The Queen insists on it.” I love that she is in the details and respects tradition!!!

[@davidtrident]

It ends with "Alleluia" which high church people don't like to be said in lent. Her Majesty has a sense of humour.

[@jeffochs6713]

@@davidtrident Thanks….I didn’t realize that nuance. It makes me love her all the more!!!

[@shashwatpandey1371]

This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music that has ever touched my ears

[@jamestennison6887]

The Queen is a national treasure. What a remarkable woman & leader she is. I pray God continues to save & keep her well. This music was perfectly composed for people such as herself, I can’t help but get emotional hearing it & seeing her.

[@tomarmstrong1281]

We British have dropped the ball in several areas, but we still do Royal tradition better than anybody else.

[@suestirling7837]

Amen to that!

[@MatthewRonaldWiebe]

I'm Canadian and every time I hear this song I feel like we should rejoin the empire.

[@ianw1976]

Absolutely. We should bring back the Red Ensign.

[@MrKeithblair]

@@ianw1976 The Red Ensign has never gone away. All UK merchant ships fly it on their stern.

[@ianw1976]

@@MrKeithblair No, the Canadian Red Ensign (our old flag).

[@MrKeithblair]

@@ianw1976 Sorry, I didn't know that the old Canadian flag was called the Red Ensign but I'm surprised to hear that a Canadian would want to bring it back, particularly as I suspect that Canada will choose not to have a King/Queen after Elizabeth II passes on.

[@ianw1976]

@@MrKeithblairWhat makes you think that?????

[@ds1868]

I can assure Handel is always listening to the choir and organ as he is buried in the South Transept, a few feet away from the choir stalls and right next to the South organ case.

[@davidroberts1384]

No one does it like the British!

[@davidtinker2143]

This rendition is a classic example of the magnificent choral tradition in the U.K and England in particular - may it continue to prosper. As a former parish church and college chorister I do hope so.

[@marymagdalene284]

Amen Lord, Amen.

[@RoninofRamen]

Love the fact that now youtube has the replay statistics on the videos there is this massive peak at 0:55 just before the choir come in. It really does make the hair stand up on the back of the neck when "Zadok" get's belted out with enough force to push the soul right out through the lungs and larynx.

[@robertstruder4434]

Nothing gives spectacle to an English cathedral service more than the boy sopranos, whose clear, silvery voices rise above all others in the choir. These performances are reliably the best of their kind in the world. The illusion the old choirmasters was seeking was "angels on high" and these schoolboys come wonderfully close to the ideal.

[@TheTrebbieFan]

Unfortunately, in today's "progressive" world, boys choirs are in decline due to them being forced to accept girls. You cannot compare the two in any way! I am not saying girl's voices are bad, it's simply a biological fact if life that boy's voices are in a class of their own, and many of our class composers KNEW that and composed music strictly for boys. Personally, I cannot stand to listen to ANY female singers with the exception of a half dozen female opera singers who I enjoy very much. Sorry, girls, form your own choir, don't mess with something that has worked splendidly for centuries. Some church choirs in England have both boys and girls choirs. On those days the girls choir is in session, attendance plummets! When the boys are in session, then attendance shot back up again! In my own small parish church (established in 1205), the vicar decided to have a mixed choir. After two weeks, all the boy choristers quit. One week later, the girls quit too, probably because there were no boys around. Now, after all these centuries, there is NO choir! The vicar was literally run out of town by angry church goers. May God grant us some sanity during these days of multiculterism and ridiculous mandates that define boys and girls as one sex! There is a reason God created boys and girls. Deal with it!

[@robcarpenter1225]

When I have to subject myself to “modern” Christian music (praise and worship music) I just shake my head. It gives me comfort to know that real choral music is still alive and well.

[@sarahtobore2832]

'subject yourself"? Oh, what a martyr you are. There wouldn't be anyone holding a gun to your head and forcing you to listen, now would there?

[@robcarpenter1225]

@@sarahtobore2832 try going into a lot of retail outlets or restaurants in the south, especially ones privately owned. I'm subjected to it in those places. It all sounds alike. Nothing wrong with the message, but the music itself is terrible. All the men try to sing with a gruff whispered voice. They're all affected. If I want to hear a song with 68 refrains I will just play something I like on repeat. Christian "rock" makes me want to jump through a plate-glass window to escape.

[@AYPICSTUDIO]

Handel reached many hights ... but this is Everest in Music ... Deep bow from Bulgaria!

[@flentrop2009]

"so let's enjoy it" Well said, by the broadcaster. His American counterparts need to take a hint.

[@KJmusic97]

That's why British TV is the best on earth

[@authorizedblock2373]

I'm American.. I feel quite blessed to hear it.. Everytime 😎 . I thankyou for posting my brother!

[@authorizedblock2373]

@@tampanativeson it's in our blood, brother 😎🇬🇧

[@susansunday2408]

🇬🇧uk

[@cappygolucky]

Imagine this at the next coronation - the emotion

[@bolajiaiyegboyin3579]

I have always loved Westminster Abbey choirs since 1980s.always a fan, forever a fan.

[@sarribel]

Desde Brits, we love you. From Bilbao, Euskal Herria the Basque Country

[@archiebald4717]

Beautiful music, sung by a wonderful choir in a fantastically majestic, ancient, building for a great Monarch and some representatives of the best generation our country has ever known.

[@flourishenebeli8582]

Handel music is so unique and lovely,

[@ChantChorales]

Yes, God Save Our Queen.. What an extraordinary piece of music..

[@aranyaofficial7082]

Long live Her Majesty the Queen!!! Regards from India..🙏

[@williamripley3192]

We need a Zadok The Priest moment in these troubling times.

[@TheTrebbieFan]

While Westminster certainly has a fine choir, they are only one of many in the UK, and even more in Europe. Many thanks to the boys, and the people who train them to continue this wonderful tradition. I, myself, was once a choir boy, many moons ago, with York Minster. You have no idea how much hard work these boys put into each and every performance.

[@robertstruder4434]

Brian, it is thoughtful of you to remind us that these astounding performances don't just happen. The boys, as you did, commit many hours to learning and practice, supported equally by dedicated adults. The results are so inspiring and uplifting. Appreciation to all involved.

[@robertstruder4434]

I think also, if we had asked him, that Brian Wood would attest that the little angels of the choir schools are just as rough-and-tumble as lads of similar ages in other classrooms.

[@PWSongMan]

I aggree!! I was listening to some of the Anglican hymns with my eleven year old yesterday and sharing with him the exact same thing..training to sing this way is not easy. But Don't forget the organist. Oh how I wish I could play like that!!! Especially the hym by John Rutter "The Lord bless you and keep you"🙂

[@Noblepilot_abrahamvwi_aeroplan]

It is obvious that so much hard work is put into each performance. These boys are little angels. And well for the English speaking world, Britain is Europe because I can only listen to the melody in the songs sung by the choir of Notre Dame cathedral for instance but not the words.

[@sametdervisoglu7544]

Thanks to u we learned this magical choir affairs god bless u man

[@gixxerboy555]

The choirs are out of this world...Oh my God...amaaazing..

[@hpthiruvalla5773]

The boys at Westminster Abbey are the best!!

[@MrSwifts31]

This is just how it should be sung,and why it sounds so great in this version.Handel wrote the anthem with the Choristers of Westminster Abbey,and the Chapels Royal of Hampton Court/St James in mind. These are all male choirs,which is what Handel's composition dynamics call for in this anthem. I don't say that modern choirs(including female voices) don't sound good too,only that this is how one would have heard it at the coronation of George II.

[@francistokede4714]

Goosebumps! More goosebumps!! More and more goosebumps!!! A tear almost dropped. O Lord!

[@danirurajapaksha7990]

BEAUTIFUUUUL GOD SAVE OUR SACRED NOBLE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE GREAT BRITISH EMPEROR

[@RossMcgowanMaths]

Yes , by far my favourite rendition.

[@TheMarshmelloKing]

Voices young and old echo through and vibrate the ancient stones of the abbey itself and it’s traditions older than hundreds of nations the world over

[@rivenoak]

Westminster Abbey is a royal peculiar and if the Queen insists, then it happens. She is the owner. :)

[@rickardnyberg4899]

Fantastic organist :)

[@jeffochs6713]

Rickard Nyberg “The Queen insists on it!!!” 😉

[@ditto1958]

Agreed

[@williamripley3192]

Handel's music at it best.The sound is incredible.

[@mystique8134]

Rest in Paradise your majesty. God Save The Queen!!!

[@MarkAkAMarkinator]

Shivers as soon as they start to sing!

[@cristiang.7160]

The organist is certainly putting his jolly emotions into the music

[@eliseeake4992]

fantastique, fabuleux et merveilleux cette chanson de Zadok le prête composée par Haendel et chanté par cette belle chorale. Je suis de la côte d'Ivoire

[@greasehead42]

What an honor for these singers... a command performance! It's a beautiful occurrence, these talented musicians in this majestic cathedral performing for an appreciative audience and a grateful monarch.

[@emilyyolanda5635]

A few years ago, I came down to Westminster Abbey School/Choir with my old choir and they are all so nice, and they sing amazingly!

[@LABARITONESSA]

WOW MERAVIGLIOSO! PAGHEREI PER ASCOLTARE UN CORO COSI MERAVIGLIOSO COMPOSTO DA VOCI BIANKE FALSETTISTI E VOCI REALI BRAVISSIMI!!!!!!!!

[@windstorm1000]

nobody tops choirs like the Anglican church--they really are something.

[@davidpaget5250]

windstorm1000 The International Staff Songsters of The Salvation Army should be heard if you enjoy good music, they take a lot of beating when it comes to their sixteen bar phrasing.

[@zerlangchristie5349]

windstorm1000 I am telling u they are the best!

[@gioojisba2758]

Catholic choirs, they are older

[@lcoghlin]

Hilarious@@gioojisba2758..., Catholic choirs are utterly wretched. Vatican II destroyed music and liturgy in the Roman church. A parish in England in easily out-sing the Papal choirs. In fact, many RC elements send their musicians to England for depth of training.

[@michaelbehan6222]

windstorm1000 except the Choir of the Vatican! There you hear the voices of angels’

[@MannaAba]

Heavenly and deeply spiritually elevating!!!

[@YaLittleFriend]

I thoroughly enjoyed the amazing organist! He or she was phenomenal in this. I remember being in awe of the complicated setup of the organ and thinking it was cool that u rarely see the organist during the playing of a composition

[@CDB8939]

Robert Quinney was the Organist here, He also played for the Wedding of Prince William & Katherine Middleton. He is now Director of Music & Organist at New College, Oxford, He is also Professor of Music at Oxford University

[@nannalaz]

I love this song, an opinion of a italian! (I'm 12)

[@derelictsaxon5889]

Now you’re 13

[@nannalaz]

@@derelictsaxon5889 yup

[@hoorooblu]

AnnaLaz... you have excellent taste. In UK we also love the work of your 'red priest', Vivaldi, who wrote for the all-girls choir he created. The UK needed another 200+ years to catch up to Italy on letting girls be trained to perform as choristers.

[@derelictsaxon5889]

@@hoorooblu In 1923 the last Italian/ church/choir boy to be castrated, died. I’d say it’s the other way round.

[@hoorooblu]

@@andreacorvaglia5373happily, you are too late and out of date. The Bishop of London is a woman. Married clergy have run English churches for 400 years. World keeps turning. Handel wrote for churches with married clergy and female voices. All good.

[@williamripley3192]

Just incredible.The most beautiful music in the world.Thanks to Handel for this glorious anthem.

[@thebigJM92]

One of Handel's greatest. A beautiful piece well chosen by the Queen. I watched the service on television and can only praise Her Majesty for choosing this. Most of the rest of the music was underwhelming and this made it so much better!

[@remydu22]

Que c’est beau !!! Rien ne peut égaler un chœur de jeunes garçons ! Félicitations également à l’organiste !

[@pilothigh6717]

i can't stop crying:))))))oh my God!! this is an incredible performance:)))

[@ianw1976]

I wouldn't say "Oh my god" here given the context.

[@josephmorinello303]

I'm American, and I love this anthem.

[@adel-711]

Long live our gracious Queen of Canada .

[@SebGarth]

Long live the Queen!

[@giusepperocco3297]

Più ascolto questo brano e più mi commuovo: esecuzione sublime accompagnata da un organo fantastico.

[@specialunit0428]

Glad you agree, Italy!

[@Dan_Dropper]

Petition to make a _just for laugh_ prank someone coming out of the toilet and got sung this song by a full choir 😂

[@pauleypavillion6088]

you make no sense with your comment.

[@barecheek]

This is one of the best Handel songs, absolutely beuatiful to hear the sounds fron the Choirs. Thank you Drwestbury you are an inspiration.

[@e22222mmm]

Fabulous interpretation of Handel and the anthem Zadok the Priest, heavenly and glorious organ. It's the great chorus westminster real. From: Enrique Millan G.profesor History of Music

[@pauleypavillion6088]

Update!!! Long live King Charles the III. His coronation is set for May 2023, 70 years after his mother. What a wonderful occasion for all of us to behold.

[@louisxvii2137]

Zadok the priest, And Nathan the prophet, Anointed Solomon, king, And all the people Rejoiced! Rejoice! And all the people rejoiced: God save the King! Long live the King! May the King live, May he live for ever! Hallelujah! Amen! Hallelujah!

[@Transition333]

The Queen certainly stands out in a crowd in her colorful, aqua ensemble.

[@williamripley3192]

The best music in the world.

[@jamesgathatwa1485]

speechless....oh my. cant stop listening to this. wow

[@kaimueric9390]

The organist!!

[@pix046]

Brilliant organ. I heard a wonderful recital in Exeter Cathedral today. Just practicing.

[@windsorbays]

Hairs standing up! So proud of our Monarchy - Long Live the Queen

[@CourageJazzbeats]

I can't help but listen to 0:58 over and over again. This is as beautiful as harmonies get.

[@winstonscott4195]

Beautiful music, fine Church of England tradition.

[@outlookesp]

I agree the all male voices can not be matched by choirs with ladies on this great piece of music.

[@cmayfordian4451]

Music and building in perfect combination.Just what Handel had in mind, I'm sure!

[@changingcarpet]

stunningly beautiful

[@munchigle]

Yes. I was 13 and sang it in the local church choir at Mill Hill CofE. and it was great to extend our soprano voices with this piece. Westminster Abbey has a sublime choir.

[@mystique8134]

Im so astounded asf, i wanna see it live the soonest 💓

[@splashpont]

Zadok the priest And Nathan the prophet Anointed Solomon king And all the people Rejoiced, rejoiced, rejoiced And all the people Rejoiced, rejoiced, rejoiced Rejoiced, rejoiced, rejoiced And all the people Rejoiced, rejoiced, rejoiced and said: God save the king Long live the king God save the king May the king live forever Amen, amen, alleluia, alleluia, amen, amen Amen, amen, alleluia, amen (4 measure rest) God save the king Long live the king May the king live forever Amen, amen, alleluia, alleluia, amen, amen May the king live May the king live For ever, for ever, for ever, Amen, amen, alleluia, alleluia, amen, amen Alleluia, alleluia, amen, amen, amen Amen, amen, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, amen Long live the king God save the king Long live the king May the king live May the king live For ever, for ever, for ever, Amen, amen, alleluia, alleluia, amen, amen Alleluia, alleluia, amen, amen, amen Amen, amen, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, amen.

[@robertstruder4434]

Makes their point, doesn't it? Puts a lot of pressure on the king. Still, it's glorious music and forever a joy to hear.

[@hudsonbailey674]

Blessed be the Crown and Haendel. Abbey was one of my favorite places of worship.

[@baudy1627]

May Queen Elizabeth Rest In Peace 🙏

[@matthewibans307]

Spirit uplifting. Like The Celestial Church in the terrestrial. Like it should just go on forever.

[@balboahigh1999]

oh! that organ!!!!!

[@albertasante9815]

One of my best piece

[@stefanoceniti5788]

the queen !Elizabeth the great

[@aviatorAB380]

This service was one week before the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton and apart from the essential ceremony of the Maunday Monday was useful for the BBC to check their broadcast. The West door was covered with scaffolding fronted by a life sized photograph of the west end, so that in long shot you cannot see the difference. The scaffolding was used by cameras the following week. It is customary that when the Sovereign is standing, as in the presentations, everyone else stands and that includes the Duke of Edinburgh who then read the lesson and stood again during the second presentation. The rest of us could sit for the lesson but not the Duke who was 90 at the time. Truly they are both an inspiration.

[@anghinetti]

aviatorAB380: Maundy Thursday, on which day is the distribution of The Queen's Maundy money...the Monday before Easter is known as Holy Monday.

[@Superseaber2011]

Rest in peace 😓🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@hashtag1066]

MARVELOUS piece of music...

[@CDB8939]

Wonderfully played by Robert Quinney (The Sub Organist)

[@1matsg]

If you mean when was this music created? It was written by G.F. Handel for King George II coronation in 1727 and it was sung at every british coronation since.

[@Zain-fi]

Those first words gave me goosebumps that’s freaking amazing!!!

[@07979097201]

beutiful rendisin, (pardon my spelling) we should also give a thumbs up for the organ player!

[@mikeottawa8158]

rndtion rendition

[@boojay111]

I was lucky enough to sit behind the choir in the third row during a service when I was a chorister at St Edmundsbury Cathedral and we were invited along. A magical and wonderful experience especially as we were all girls (one of the first in the country) and sitting with all the very handsome young men, especially the blonde one who is in one of the recordings😚

[@positivevibes2603]

Absolutely splendid enjoyed every minute of listening to the choir God Bless every one them Amen

[@desteddyeggroll]

GLORIOUS!!!!!!!

[@3NUNS]

I said, or the rather, I stated "in a way" ! The Queen is 'the nursing mother' of the Nation and the Commonwealth !

[@gramps2matt]

I hope to see a coronation in my life and with all the rites and ceremonies included in the broadcast. Media has come a long way since the Queen ascended the throne so I don't think anything would be considered "Too sacred" to be broadcast now. The various camera positions that were in the Abbey during Prince William's wedding if utilized again would only give greater honor and clarity to the historic event.

[@KorpusV6]

You will see king Charles or king William. We all will. Rhodesia and Zimbabwe are a result of the British crown, ambitious English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh people that developed our country. Yes the minority government was racist and cruel but we can't deny their excellence at running a country. Hopefully Zimbabwe will rejoin the Commonwealth of Nations

[@hermoglyph2255]

I admire Prince Charles in many ways and I'll possibly live to see his coronation, but I dread it! I'm afraid he'll make it a multicultural, rather than a Christian, occasion.

[@joycerouget2379]

Of course there are some rituals and ceremonies that are too sacred! For example the anointment of a British monarch can not even be seen by the guest in the Abbey. The coronation is a crucial and religious moment in the life of the Supreme Governor of the Church of England and defender of the Scottish faith.

[@brackenalexander1163]

hermoglyph 22 Seeing as he is the head of the Church of England, and will be coronated in Westminster Abbey, I will be sorely disappointed if his coronation is made out to be anything different than what it is. The bestowing of divine rights upon the Sovereign.

[@MS-19]

6th May 2023 will be the Coronation day of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla, so you can expect to see this sung as part of that ceremony.

[@teapea85]

Goosebumps

[@oludotunjohnshowemimo434]

George Frederich Handel, the world's greatest DJ. Your event was guaranteed to have the best music in town with Handel in charge of the turntables

[@camtheorganman]

Best choir in the world!!

[@johntungyep]

Love the cheeky glissando at 4:02!

[@nanaessel4230]

I thought I was the only one :) Absolutely fantastic. Impeccable accompaniment :)

[@kingturtje]

extraordinary performance!!

[@jstuttgart]

Stunning rendition!

[@pamlawrence9211]

fabulous- as an organist who as.sung this work with a sympho ic choir and played..it on the organ also.

[@martinbyrne5626]

Choon! One of my favourite pieces.

[@omgitsme39]

One of the best songs ok 2k18

[@ellyibeh]

Amazing 👌 Choir. Praise Ye The LORD of Host!!

[@avalongirly]

I've sung this song once.. still my favorite after all this time:)

[@SuperWallyb]

out standing thank you

[@jordannelson3262]

Love this piece 😊 brings such great presence.

[@gaylepassan7965]

Just lovely,stunning