Zadok the Priest is the best known of the four coronation anthems composed by George Handel for the coronation of George II. Since then it has been widely used for coronation services.
This setting can be used with or without SATB choir. When performed without choir, each dynamic should be raised by one degree.
In common with many orchestral composers, Handel tended to write in sharp keys since these are easier to play on stringed instruments. Zadok the Priest was written in D major.
Brass players however prefer flat keys, so when transcribing the work for brass the key has been changed to suit brass instruments better. Moving the music up a semi-tone would have required a number of high Bbs in the soprano voice; moving down a semi-tone does not put undue pressures on the alto and bass voices.
Price £40