Birthday Ode for Queen Anne (George Frideric Handel)

Music files

**L E G E N D**
ICON	SOURCE
	Pdf
	Zip file
	File details
	Help

(Posted 2005-09-16) CPDL #09620: (MIDI)

Editor: Michael Gibson (submitted 2005-09-16). Score information: A4, 41 pages, 1.56 MB Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: MIDI files zipped. Includes a keyboard version of the original accompaniment.

General Information

Title: Birthday Ode for Queen Anne, HWV 74
Composer: George Frideric Handel
Lyricist: Ambrose Philips

Number of voices: 8vv Voicing: SATB.SATB, with Solo SATB
Solos: Soprano (Mrs Robinson), Contralto (Mrs Barbier), "Alto-tenore" (Mr Eilfurt, Mr Hughes), Bass (Mr Wheely, Mr Gates)
Genre: Sacred, Anthem

Language: English
Instruments: 2 trumpets, 2 oboes, strings, basso continuo

First published: 1713
Description:

External websites:

Free choir training aids for this work are available at Choralia.
Wikipedia article
Chrysander edition at IMSLP

Original text and translations

English text

1. ARIOSO (Alto)
Eternal source of light divine
with double warmth thy beams display,
and with distinguish'd glory shine,
to add a lustre to this day.

2. ARIA (Alto) & CHORUS
The day that gave great Anna birth
who fix'd a lasting peace on earth.

3. ARIA (Soprano) & CHORUS
Let all the winged race with joy
their wonted homage sweetly pay,
whilst tow'ring in the azure sky
they celebrate this happy day:
The day that gave great Anna birth
who fix'd a lasting peace on earth.

4. ARIA (Tenor) & CHORUS / ARIA (Soprano-Alto Duet) & CHORUS
Let flocks and herds their fear forget
lions and wolves refuse their prey
and all in friendly consort meet,
made glad by this propitious day.
The day that gave great Anna birth
who fix'd a lasting peace on earth.

5. DUET (Alto & Bass) & CHORUS
Let rolling streams their gladness show
with gentle murmurs whilst they play,
and in their wild meanders flow,
rejoicing in this blessed day.
The day that gave great Anna birth
who fix'd a lasting peace on earth.

6. DUET (Soprano & Alto)
Kind health descends on downy wings;
angels conduct her on the way.
T'our glorious Queen new life she brings,
and swells our joys upon this day.

7. DUET (Soprano & Alto) & CHORUS
The day that gave great Anna birth
who fix'd a lasting peace on earth.

8. ARIA (Bass) & CHORUS
Let envy then conceal her head,
and blasted faction glide away.
No more her hissing tongues we'll dread,
secure in this auspicious day.
The day that gave great Anna birth
who fix'd a lasting peace on earth.

9. ARIA (Alto) & CHORUS
United nations shall combine,
to distant climes the sound convey
that Anna's actions are divine,
and this the most important day!
The day that gave great Anna birth
who fix'd a lasting peace on earth.