Coronation Anthem, "Let Thy Hand be Strengthened"
for chorus (S-A-A-T-B), oboes 1 & 2, strings, continuo
Program Notes by Martin Pearlman
On October 11, 1727, George II was crowned king of England in Westminster Abbey, and Handel was commissioned to compose four anthems for the occasion. The anthem Let thy hand be strengthened was the first of the four to be performed at the ceremony and the only one to have no vocal soloists and no trumpets or drums. It is in three movements, of which the first is a glorification of the monarch, the second a plea for justice and mercy, and the the third a joyous Alleluja.
In this music, we see how Handel adapts the traditional English anthem of Purcell and others. It is simple, public music designed to be heard in a large cathedral, as opposed to the finely detailed music that might be desirable in a more intimate setting. Its massive architecture is perfect for the ceremonial occasion, for which reason one or more of these anthems has been heard at every English coronation since 1727.
Boston Baroque Performances
Coronation Anthem, “Let Thy Hand be Strengthened”
January 6, 2001
Portsmouth Music Hall, Portsmouth, NH
Martin Pearlman, conductor
December 31, 2000 & January 1, 2001
Sanders Theater, Cambridge, MA
Martin Pearlman, conductor
March 13, 1999
NEC’s Jordan Hall, Boston, MA
Martin Pearlman, conductor
February 1, 1987
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, East Boston, MA
Martin Pearlman, conductor
September 26, 1986
NEC’s Jordan Hall, Boston, MA
Martin Pearlman, conductor
January 26, 1986
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, East Boston, MA
Martin Pearlman, conductor