Zadok the Priest, Handel - Notes and analysis

How is melody treated in the opening orchestral introduction (bb. 1–22)?

Melody is not a feature of the introduction; the focus is entirely on an unfolding harmonic progression

What are the characteristics of the vocal melody when the choir enters at b. 23? [Mention 4 points]

• Led by Sop 1

• Small range

• Conjunct

• High tessitura

Describe the vocal melody and instrumental accompaniment in Section B (b. 31 onwards)

Sopranos sing a narrow melody circling a limited set of pitches, decorated by a Violin 1 countermelody starting at b. 33

What melodic technique is used during the long 'Amen' melismas in Section C?

Long vocal melismas featuring descending sequneces based on an 8-note figure

What ensemble and vocal layout is Zadok the Priest scored for?

• 2 oboes, 2 bassoons

• 3 trumpets, timpani

• Violin 1, 2, 3, viola, cello, double bass, organ

• 7-part SSAATBB

Why are natural trumpets and timpani withheld until b. 23?

Valveless trumpets (limited to certain keys/D major) and timpani symbolise majesty and royalty; holding them back until b. 23 amplifies the dramatic entry of the choir

How are the violins divided and what technique do they play in Section A (bb. 1–22)? [Mention 2 points]

• Divided unusually into 1st, 2nd, and 3rd violins

• Play rising arpeggios, a typical Baroque figuration

What keyboard instrument plays the basso continuo?

Played on organ with a figured bass line

How does word setting vary across sections? [Mention 3 points]

• Syllabic in Section A

• Short melismas on "Rejoic'd" in Section B

• Long 45-note melismas on "Amen" in Section C

What is the overall form of Zadok the Priest and how is it structured across its 121 bars?

It is through-composed and sectioned into A, B, C.

What is the section A of Zadok the Priest?

• Bars 1-30

• Instrumental intro then choral entry

What is the section B of Zadok the Priest?

• Dance-like ¾ time

• “And all the people rejoiced…”

What is the section C of Zadok the Priest?

• Grand 4/4 time

• “God save the King… Amen”

What is the origin of the text used in Zadok the Priest?

Translated from biblical Latin (King James Version) from 1 Kings, describing the anointing of King Solomon; chosen by Handel himself

How is the opening chord sequence structured between bb. 1–7 and bb. 9–15?

Bars 9–15 repeat the exact chord sequence of bb. 1–7, but transposed to the dominant (A major)

What specific harmonic techniques are used in bb. 16, 17, and 22? [Mention 2]

• b16 and b22 Suspension builds tension right before vocal entry

• b17 Secondary dominant leading into B minor

How does the bass line create chord inversions in the introduction?

A descending bass line creates chords in inversion while the upper parts move upwards in contrary motion

How does harmonic complexity change from Section A to Section B?

Section A is complex; Section B simplifies to focus almost exclusively on chords I and V (bb. 31–38)

Where is the circle of fifths, and in which part?

A circle of fifths occurs in the bassline at bb. 114–115

Where do key cadences occur in Zadok the Priest? [Mention 3 types]

• Imperfect Cadences: e.g., bb. 28–29

• Perfect Cadences: e.g., bb. 35–36

• Plagal Cadence: Grand final ending cadence at bb. 120–121

What is the primary texture of Zadok the Priest?

Predominantly homophonic

Where does chordal homophony appear? [Mention 4 points]

• Main vocal entry (b. 23)

• Start of Section B (b. 31)

• "God save the King" (b. 63)

• Ending

Where do brief moments of monophony occur in the piece?

Sung by the altos alone at b. 66 and again at b. 81

Where does a contrapuntal passage appear in the accompaniment?

In the instrumental interlude at bb. 75–78, played by the strings and basso continuo alone

What are the tempo markings and time signatures for Sections A, B, and C?

• Section A (bb. 1–30): Andante maestoso in 4/4

• Section B (bb. 31–62): Allegro in 3/4 (dance-like feel)

• Section C (bb. 63–121): Allegro moderato in 4/4

Where are the Adagio markings in the score and what is their function? [Mention 2 points]

• bb. 61–62: Two-bar Adagio link transitioning from Section B into Section C

• bb. 120–121: Final two-bar Adagio leading to the grand plagal cadence

What distinctive rhythmic patterns is used in section A?

Steady repeated quavers with semiquaver arpeggios in violins; vocal entry in stately crotchets and minims

What distinctive rhythmic patterns are used in Section B?

Dotted rhythms in strings

What distinctive rhythmic patterns are used in Section C?

Long semiquaver melismas in voices and military-style regal dotted rhythms on "God save the King!"

What key is Zadok the Priest set in throughout, and why was it chosen?

D major throughout; chosen because valveless Baroque trumpets were well suited to play in D major

Does Zadok the Priest modulate significantly, and what describes its harmonic language?

It never really strays from D major (despite an opening modulation to the dominant A major). The music is largely diatonic with functional harmony (focusing on chords I and V)

Are there dynamic markings written in Handel’s original score?

No, there are no original dynamic markings; all written dynamics are editorial

How are dynamics typically interpreted across the sections of Zadok the Priest? [4 bullet points]

• bb. 1–22: Quiet introduction (often with a building crescendo)

• b. 23: Sudden fortissimo with full choir, trumpets, and timpani

• Section B: Performed quieter, before returning to very loud dynamics in Section C

• Terraced dynamics reflect the celebratory occasion and large church acoustics