• Whether out of Gallic graciousness or republican envy, the French Chœur et Orchestre de l’Opéra Royal, directed by Gaétan Jarry, have released The Crown (Château de Versailles Spectacles), a timely account of English coronation anthems, trumpet fanfares, drum rolls and shouts of “God save the king!”. It was recorded, in honour of Charles III, at the Royal Chapel, Versailles, last December. The music, by Purcell and Handel, was written for the coronations of James II in 1685 and George II in 1727. Both composers made settings of My Heart Is Inditing, entirely different in mood, Handel’s rather more lavish, each included here. Of Handel’s four coronation anthems, Zadok the Priest – a royal acclamation of the people of Israel to their king – remains the most stirring and spectacular. The French choir is at times fuzzy, but the orchestral sound is clean and spirited, and the set is accompanied by a handsome illustrated booklet.
