Zodak the Priest (414.01) (Neuheit Ensemble)

Zodak the Priest (414.01) (Neuheit Ensemble) Zadok the Priest, one of 4 coronation athems by Handel, was written for the coronation of King George II in 1727. It has been sung before the anointing of the sovereign at the coronation of every British monarch since. The text is based on the biblical account of the anointing of Solomon by Zadok (1 Kings 1:38-40). The words themselves were first used at the coronation of King Edgar in 973 and have been used in every English/British coronation since. The first performance was not a success since the Westminster Abbey choir sang Zadok the Priest in the wrong part of the service having earlier entirely ommitted to sing one anthem and another ended "in confusion". Performance note: The overall tone of the anthem is joyous but playing style should be controlled, dignified and generally light in tone and articulation. Avoid over-loud dynamics; those suggested are to be considered as Baroque rather symphonic. All markings are editorial suggestions and can be altered according to taste. Trumpets 1 and 2 will probably need D trumpet or A piccolo. Trumpet 2 can switch instruments as required.