In his libretto for “Riccardo Primo” Paolo Rolli drew on Antonio Lotti’s opera “Isacio tiranno” which had been performed in Venice in 1710. Handel needed a text with two great women’s roles for the two best female singers of the day were members of his troupe – Francesca Cuzzoni and Faustina Bordoni. He had already written the operas “Alessandro” and “Admeto” for them. He began composing “Riccardo Primo” in spring 1727 completing the first version on 16 May. However following the death of King George I on 11 June 1727 the theatres remained closed.For Handel who had become a British citizen in February 1727 the accession of George II to the throne offered new possibilities and he embarked on a revision of the opera. With this he was able to offer a new opera for the coronation festivities the hero of which was one of King George’s charismatic forebears. From May onwards Handel thoroughly revised the present score wrote some parts anew and expanded it with particularly splendid music. Handel and Rolli also improved the plot and introduced patriotic elements to honour the British monarchy. The historic background is the third crusade against Saladin the Sultan of Egypt and Syria who had recaptured Jerusalem in 1187. Although King Richard I captured Cyprus and together with French crusaders stormed the fortress of Akko in the Holy Land the crusade ended with a ceasefire and Jerusalem remained in Saladin’s hands. Richard was given the title ‘Coeur-de-lion’ by the English for his great military ability and bravery although the Sicilians had first given him this name because of his relentless cruelty in clashes around Messina . The vocal score is based on the Halle Handel Edition volume published in 2005 edited by Terence Best and contains the second version of the opera which was premiered in November 1727. Performance material available for hire. Based on the Urtext of the Halle Handel Edition. Original Italian text with German singing translation. Straightforward and easy-to-play Piano reduction.

For the occasion of the coronation of King George II and Queen Caroline, which took place in Westminster Abbey on October 11, 1727, Handel wrote four splendid anthems and personally supervised their performance which was, according to all reports, one of great magnificence. The four anthems were enthusiastically received, and one or more of them has been performed at every British coronation since 1727. Anthem #2 ('The King Shall Rejoice'), although less well-known than Anthem #1, is an equally splendid example of Handel's ceremonial style - what Burney has affectionately termed his 'big bow-bow manner'. This work contains an opening Allegro, brilliant and elegant rather than pompous - a grandiose setting of 'Glory and great worship hast thou laid upon him' - and a lively fugal Alleluia as a conclusion. Arranged for four-part chorus of mixed voices with organ or piano accompaniment. Edited and with keyboard reduction by Edouard Silas. / Chant Et Piano

The Piano Treasury of Hymns is designed to be the cornerstone of your personal music library. This tremendous collection contains 400 pages of the best-loved Christian hymns from Europe and America. From traditional favourites to contemporary worship songs, here you'll find the music that has inspired praise and worship for over four centuries. This sacred folio will provide years of enjoyment for everyone who loves the music of the church. Rediscover the beauty and power of the great songs that are a part of the fabric of the church and music history. / Piano