The Coronation Anthems

The four Coronation Anthems that Handel composed for the coronation of George II of Great Britain in 1727 have been sung at every subsequent British coronation service since. Although they have been part of the traditional content of English coronations since that of King Edgar at Bath Abbey in 973, the texts for all four anthems were picked by Handel himself — much to the consternation of the participating clergy.

Zadok the Priest (HWV 258)



My Heart Is Inditing (HWV 259)



The King Shall Rejoice (HWV 260)



Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened (HWV 261)