The King shall rejoice HWV 260

SKU: CA.5526011

ISBN 9790007310936. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. The King shall rejoice was probably played during the crowning of the king in London's Westminster Abbey.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: CA.5526019

ISBN 9790007310974. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. The King shall rejoice was probably played during the crowning of the king in London's Westminster Abbey.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: CA.5526000

ISBN 9790007252052. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. The King shall rejoice was probably played during the crowning of the king in London's Westminster Abbey.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: CA.5526003

ISBN 9790007252069. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. The King shall rejoice was probably played during the crowning of the king in London's Westminster Abbey.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: CA.5526013

ISBN 9790007310950. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. The King shall rejoice was probably played during the crowning of the king in London's Westminster Abbey.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: CA.5526012

ISBN 9790007310943. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. The King shall rejoice was probably played during the crowning of the king in London's Westminster Abbey.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: CA.5526014

ISBN 9790007310967. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. The King shall rejoice was probably played during the crowning of the king in London's Westminster Abbey.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: CA.5526049

ISBN 9790007252083. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. The King shall rejoice was probably played during the crowning of the king in London's Westminster Abbey.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: CA.5526005

ISBN 9790007252076. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. The King shall rejoice was probably played during the crowning of the king in London's Westminster Abbey.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: CA.5526009

ISBN 9790007311117. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. The King shall rejoice was probably played during the crowning of the king in London's Westminster Abbey.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: HL.14014194

8.25x11.75x0.425 inches.

Written for SATB choir and orchestra.

SKU: CA.5525813

ISBN 9790007311018. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. Zadok the priest was performed for the anointing of the new King and more recently for the coronation of Charles III in 2023.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: CA.5525811

ISBN 9790007310998. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. Zadok the priest was performed for the anointing of the new King and more recently for the coronation of Charles III in 2023.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: CA.5525805

ISBN 9790007251994. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. Zadok the priest was performed for the anointing of the new King and more recently for the coronation of Charles III in 2023.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: CA.5525819

ISBN 9790007311056. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. Zadok the priest was performed for the anointing of the new King and more recently for the coronation of Charles III in 2023.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: CA.5525815

ISBN 9790007311032. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. Zadok the priest was performed for the anointing of the new King and more recently for the coronation of Charles III in 2023.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: CA.5525849

ISBN 9790007252007. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. Zadok the priest was performed for the anointing of the new King and more recently for the coronation of Charles III in 2023.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: CA.5525812

ISBN 9790007311001. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. Zadok the priest was performed for the anointing of the new King and more recently for the coronation of Charles III in 2023.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: CA.5525814

ISBN 9790007311025. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. Zadok the priest was performed for the anointing of the new King and more recently for the coronation of Charles III in 2023.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: CA.5525800

ISBN 9790007251970. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. Zadok the priest was performed for the anointing of the new King and more recently for the coronation of Charles III in 2023.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.

SKU: CA.5525803

ISBN 9790007251987. English.

Music for the ages: the coronation anthems Zadok the priest, Let thy hand be strengthened, The King shall rejoice and My heart is inditing, which Handel composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, are true masterpieces of the choral literature. Zadok the priest was performed for the anointing of the new King and more recently for the coronation of Charles III in 2023.For the Carus edition, available either individually or as a set, musicologist, composer and flutist Alon Schab has returned to the original manuscripts, paying special attention to the specific circumstances that played a role in the creation of the anthems. Befitting such a festive occasion, Handel’s choir in 1727 was a large ensemble composed of singers from two institutions. This six- or seven-voice ensemble had to be carefully balanced to perform the passages for four or five voices. Handel’s autograph score shows how he adapted his composition, originally conceived for a four- or five-voice choir, to the particular circumstances of the premiere: The manuscript is peppered with surprising vocal doublings, insertions, and rests, intended to ensure that, for example, the few tenors were not overpowered by the more numerous altos and basses, the boy sopranos harmonized with the mature voices, and the chorus blended well with the instruments in the rich ambience of Westminster Abbey.This edition traces these ad hoc additions to reveal a score that is startlingly similar to Handel’s familiar and beautifully direct choral style. All editorial decisions are thoroughly documented in the critical report.