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.
A note on the chosen key
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/Difficulty code: A (£25)
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