Music KS3 / GCSE: Martin Dougan on 'Zadok the Priest' by George Frideric Handel

MARTIN DOUGAN:'It's dark.

MARTIN DOUGAN:'There's not a sound. And then you hear music.

MARTIN DOUGAN:'So, where are you?'

MARTIN DOUGAN:Me, I'm in a tunnel and now colours are appearing.

MARTIN DOUGAN:And there's a light up ahead.

MARTIN DOUGAN:Inside I'm nervous, those strings are putting me on edge.

MARTIN DOUGAN:'But I can feel something's going to happen.

MARTIN DOUGAN:'That light's getting nearer.

MARTIN DOUGAN:'What do you think it is?'

ELECTRICAL BUZZING

MARTIN DOUGAN:'Now everything changes. More colours rush in, I see where I am and I feel great. Proud, and full of energy.'

MARTIN DOUGAN:OK, firstly, I might be imagining basketball but you could be imagining anything, and if it is sport it might be football.

MARTIN DOUGAN:Because, did you know, a version of this music is used as a theme for the UEFA champions league. And no wonder, this is the type of music that makes you feel like a champion, like a hero.

MARTIN DOUGAN:Maybe that's because way back in 1727 it was written for the nation's top dog, the king.

MARTIN DOUGAN:The composer, George Frideric Handel, was asked to write the music for the coronation. The ceremony in which George II would be crowned. Handel wasn't going to turn down a gig like that.

MARTIN DOUGAN:He dreamt up music that made sure everyone watching knew that this event was very special and very important, just like His Majesty. So it's not surprising is it with music like this playing I feel like…

MARTIN DOUGAN:king of the basketball court.

MUSIC: Zadok The Priest by George Frideric Handel

MARTIN DOUGAN:This choir are singing about another coronation in the Bible. For Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet crowned Solomon as their new king.

MARTIN DOUGAN:Why do you think Handel wants everyone to think about that?

MARTIN DOUGAN:And now the choir becomes the king's supporters. Cheering on the hero, it's time to rejoice!

MARTIN DOUGAN:'But why do you think Handel repeats the words over and over again?'

MARTIN DOUGAN:It sounds to me as if the voices are competing with one another to see who can get the most excited.

MARTIN DOUGAN:And now the trumpets join in too, celebrating with the choir.

MARTIN DOUGAN:'And, of course, Handel wrote this to be sung in a huge cathedral. He wants all his words and music to climb higher and higher, reaching the very top of the roof. And then, as if the church is a giant radio, sent out across the whole country.'

MARTIN DOUGAN:'When I was growing up classical music and choirs were definitely not something that you admitted to your friends. You wouldn’t go out and say to them, "Oh I was listening to George Frideric Handel today."

MARTIN DOUGAN:But what really surprised me was when I got into sport the amount of top athletes that listened to classical music to get themselves focussed for the big game.

MARTIN DOUGAN:So next time you're in the house watching the football with your mum and dad, why don’t you tell them that it was George Frideric Handel that wrote the song in 1727. They'll be well impressed.

MARTIN DOUGAN:'This music, Zadok The Priest, was just what King George II wanted. Handel had a hit on his hands, and it's been performed at every single coronation since.'

MARTIN DOUGAN:'By the end of the piece, Handel wants to blow the roof off. It's like the roar from the crowd at a big sports game or a cheer when I come out onto the basketball courts.'

MARTIN DOUGAN:The sound is so grand that I can't help but feel small, but at the same time, important. Because I know something big is going to happen. That’s why Handel makes me feel strong and ready. What about you?