Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne

The Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne (HWV 74), after the opening words also Eternal source of light divine, is an ode by George Frideric Handel.

Formation

The roughly half-hour ode arose as a music of homage Birthday of Queen Anne on February 6, 1713 So a few months after Handel was the second time ( and now forever) come to London. The libretto was written by Ambrose Philips ( 1674-1749 ). At the time of conception of the conclusion of the Peace of Utrecht was imminent, had participated in the negotiations Queen Anne. The seal is therefore also a thanksgiving for the conclusion of peace. Since Queen Anne was sick on her birthday in 1713, it is believed that the performance took place a year later,

The text consists of seven stanzas, each of which ends with a refrain:

Handel's setting is divided into nine parts, the chorus is always sung by the choir, but with varying musical material.