Fit for a King, Queen, Princess and Prince

Available for 29 days

Donald Macleod explores Handel’s position at the heart of royal life in Britain, where patronage brought both prestige and pressure. With the accession of George II, Handel supplied music on the grandest scale, writing for coronations, royal ceremonies and public celebration. Yet royal favour was rarely straightforward: competing courts, shifting alliances and changing public taste all shaped his fortunes. While the King and Queen supported him, rival factions – including the Prince of Wales – backed alternative musical ventures, turning London’s operatic world into a battleground. Even at the height of court success, Handel faced artistic and financial strain, alongside personal challenges. Coronation Anthem: Zadok the Priest Westminster Abbey Choir Trevor Pinnock, conductor Simon Preston, organ Coronation Anthem: My heart is inditing The Sixteen Harry Christophers, conductor Riccardo Primo: Act III chorus Basel Chamber Orchestra Paul Goodwin, conductor Atalanta: Overture Capella Savaria Nicholas McGegan, conductor Alexander’s Feast: excerpts Ludus Baroque Richard Neville-Towle, conductor Sophie Bevan, soprano Funeral Anthem for Queen Carolinel Alsfelder Vocal Ensemble Bremen Baroque Orchestra Wolfgang Helbich, conductor