Donald Macleod explores Handel’s crucial relationship with the British monarchy, and how he and the Georgian Kings helped forge a new sense of British culture and identity. What could be more quintessentially British than a rousing chorus of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus? Or his anthem Zadok the Priest, which has been performed at every British coronation since 1727? Yet, though the composer became was a naturalised British subject, he was born in Germany and kept his German accent all of his life. The same was true of the two Kings Handel served, George I and George II. This week, as we head towards a royal jubilee weekend, Donald Macleod explores Handel’s crucial relationship with the British monarchy, and how he and the Georgian Kings helped forge a new sense of British culture and identity. Music Featured: Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus Agrippina, Act 2: "Pensieri, voi mi tormentate" Handel: Concerto Grosso in B flat, Op 3 No 1 Rinaldo, Act 1: “Cara Sposa” ‘Utrecht’ Jubilate Te ...