My Heart Is Inditing, coronation anthem No. 3 for chorus & orchestra, HWV 261

The 1727 coronation of King George II and Queen Caroline in 1721 was one of the most magnificent of British crownings. These are festive compositions written for large forces: All the royal musicians (who generally served in smaller numbers by rotation) were gathered, and amounted to such numbers that additional galleries were needed to hold them. The four anthems are "Zadok the Priest, " a shortish single-movement piece in three sections of finely judged increasing jubilation, "Let thy Hand be Strengthened, " "The King shall Rejoice, " and "My Heart is Inditing, " which is more associated with the ascension of the Queen. The last three named are all multi movement pieces; all include festive trumpets and drums except "Let thy Hand be Strengthened." The reason for this is probably that these instruments had been sent outside to accompany the "Recognition, " which is when the new King is presented to the people. These are some of the most brilliant, festive, and thrilling choral compositions of the entire Baroque era.