Discovering Music

St James's Church

Handel's Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne

Sunday 6 May 2007 17:00-18:30 (Radio 3)

Charles Hazlewood is in the heart of Handel's London at St James's, Piccadilly, to explore the maestro's Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne. He is joined by soloists Rebecca Outram, Iestyn Davies, Michael George, a small chorus and his period ensemble Harmonieband.

Scroll down this page for photographs, and the text of the Ode.

Duration:

1 hour 30 minutes

St James's Church, Piccadilly (completed 1684)

Sir Christopher Wren's Masterpiece

The Altar

Charles Hazlewood and Harmonie Band in rehearsal

News image

Reredos by Grinling Gibbons

The Text of the Ode

1. 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. The day that gave great Anna birth
Who fix'd a lasting peace on earth.

3. 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. Let rolling streams their gladness show
With gentle murmurs whilst they play,
And in their wild meanders flow,
Rejoicing in this blessed day.
The day that gave great Anna birth
Who fix'd a lasting peace on earth.

5. Kind health descends on downy wings;
Angels conduct her on the way.
T'our glorious Queen new life she brings,
And swells our joys upon this day.

6. The day that gave great Anna birth
Who fix'd a lasting peace on earth.

7. Let envy then conceal her head,
And blasted faction glide away.
No more her hissing tongues we'll dread,
Secure in this auspicious day.
The day that gave great Anna birthWho fix'd a lasting peace on earth.

8. United nations shall combine,
To distant climes the sound convey
That Anna's actions are divine,
And this the most important day!
The day that gave great Anna birth
Who fix'd a lasting peace on earth.