Handel: Chandos Anthems, Vol. 4

Immerse yourself in the divine harmonies of George Frideric Handel's "Handel: Chandos Anthems, Vol. 4," a captivating collection of sacred choral works that showcase the composer's mastery of the English anthem form. This album, released on January 1, 1989, under the Chandos label, features two of Handel's Chandos Anthems, No. 10 and No. 11, performed with precision and passion.

The album opens with "The Lord is my Light" (HWV 255), a nine-movement anthem that draws its text from Psalm 27. The work is a testament to Handel's ability to blend intricate instrumental passages with powerful choral statements. The tenor and chorus alternate in delivering verses that express trust in God's protection and the joy of worship, culminating in a triumphant final chorus.

Following this is "Let God arise" (HWV 256a), an anthem that combines dramatic intensity with moments of serene beauty. The six movements of this work, taken from Psalm 68, feature a mix of chorus and solo voices, including a soprano solo in the fourth movement that adds a touch of ethereal grace.

Throughout the album, Handel's inventive use of orchestration and his skill in setting English text to music are evident. The performances on this recording are marked by their clarity and vitality, making it a compelling addition to any classical music collection. With a total runtime of 49 minutes, this album offers a concise yet rich exploration of Handel's sacred choral repertoire.