This edition was prepared by Michael Gibson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Birthday Ode for Queen Anne, HWV 74
Staff Notation • Sacred, Anthems
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Birthday Ode for Queen Anne, HWV 74 by George Fredrick Handel — Lyrics
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 (SopranoAlto 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
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About Birthday Ode for Queen Anne, HWV 74
Handel's Birthday Ode for Queen Anne is a celebratory anthem for double SATB chorus. Its English text praises Queen Anne as an "eternal source of light divine" and celebrates her reign as having "fix'd a lasting peace on earth." The music is designed to reflect this sentiment with joyous and exultant sections. The text paints a vivid picture of peace and harmony, suggesting that even wild animals forget their prey and gather in "friendly consort" to mark this propitious day. This grand choral work offers a powerful musical tribute to the monarch and her achievements.
