Another captivating piece from Mr Handel, with all the affecting beauty we have come to expect of him. It's pretty killing, in the sense that my Subs just get without trouble. Along with Bach, Handel is a giant among composers of vocal works.

With regard to this recording, I have always thought the countertenor voice suits this piece best - not least because Handel composed it for that voice specifically - and also because it conveys an aching quality of sadness almost - often at odds with the intention and context of these Royal commissions. For me, it is a counterpoise; a grounding - a reminder that pomp, riches, power in all Worldy matters are ever fragile, ephemeral, ultimately futile - the antithesis of triumphalism.

Here, we have countertenor Iestyn Davies, with the great Crispian Steele-Perkins on natural trumpet, accompanied by The King's Consort, under Robert King: Handelians all.

*The Music*

Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne (HWV 74) is a secular cantata composed by George Frideric Handel to a libretto by Ambrose Philips, of which the first line, "Eternal source of light divine", provides an alternative title for the work. It was probably composed during January 1713 for a performance on 6 February 1713, although there is no record of the performance having actually taken place.

*Text*

Eternal source of light divine
with double warmth thy beams display,
and with distinguish'd glory shine,
to add a lustre to this day.

*Images*

I took these pictures in various places the Peak District, Derbyshire, England. The closing image is Queen Anne of Britain's Royal Cypher: Anne Regina.

*Recording*

The King's Consort
Iestyn Davies - countertenor
Crispian Steele-Perkins - trumpet
Conductor - Robert King
From the Album "Handel - Your tuneful voice"
Label - Vivat (P) 2014

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