Fit for a King, Queen, Princess and Prince
Donald Macleod delves into Handel鈥檚 relationship with the British royal family, from coronations to court rivalries and shifts in patronage.
Donald Macleod explores Handel鈥檚 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 鈥� including the Prince of Wales 鈥� backed alternative musical ventures, turning London鈥檚 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鈥檚 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
On radio
Broadcast
- Thu 23 Jul 2026 16:00麻豆社 Radio 3
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