Wedding anthem for Princess Anne

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Anne, Princess Royal

The Wedding anthem for Princess Anne,

Ecclesiasticus.[1]

Background

The German-born Handel had been resident in London since 1712 and had there achieved great success as a composer of Italian operas. He had also enjoyed the patronage of monarchs

King's Theatre in the Haymarket where he was presenting his seasons of Italian operas, and with the same star opera singers who were appearing in his current successful opera. "Arianna in Creta".[4]

The princess had herself chosen the biblical texts which Handel set to music in the anthem.[5] It is a festive piece with double choruses, i.e., the choral writing is for eight parts rather than the usual four.[6] During the wedding service, while the performance of Handel's anthem was taking place there were no processions or ceremonies or other activities happening; the order of service indicated this was the only time the princess and her bridegroom sat in the chairs provided for them. They and everyone else present gave Handel's music their full attention.[7]

Notes

  1. ^ "List of Handel's compositions". GF Handel.org. Retrieved 18 May 2014.
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  4. ^ a b Vickers, David. "Programme Notes for "Parnasso in Festa"". Retrieved 17 May 2014.
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