Coronation Anthems

The Academy of Ancient Music and the Choir of New College Oxford join forces magnificently on this celebratory CD of 15 baroque coronation anthems. The tracklist runs in reverse order beginning with Boyce's music for George III, and continuing with Handel's for George II, Croft's for George I, Jeremiah Clarke's for Queen Anne, Blow's for William and Mary, and Purcell's for James II. The best-known work and the only one to have been retained for subsequent coronations is Handel's Zadok the Priest, which here gently pants through its suspense-filled introduction until the glorious full bloom of the choral entry complete with trumpets and drums. The boys sound in euphoric end-of-term voice. The men enjoy the romp. Handel's is the grand view of monarchy, splendidly regal, distant, proud and untouchable by the rejoicing crowds. Purcell's is a more private and personal view as expressed in the exquisite verse anthem My heart is inditing here performed with chamber delicacy. The trebles sing a strong, supplicating line in Blow's Let my prayer with the gentlemen a subtle backing. The orchestra glows throughout the disc and billows pneumatically in the opening Boyce anthem The King shall rejoice. This lacks the catchy invention of Handel's setting of the same words.--Rick Jones