Here he is again, as promised, the countertenor Iestyn Davies, and this time in a most sublime combination with the exceptional classical trumpeter Alison Balsom. The two artists blend with near perfection, and a moment of purity and eternity opens in the listener. 

Balsom plays the so-called natural trumpet, an instrument without valves which requires that the player hit the right harmonics with more complex “lipping” techniques.

The piece was written in 1713 in honor of Queen Anne’s birthday. Händel at that time was already settled in London, and this was one of his first compositions in the English language based on a poem by Ambrose Philips.

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

Related:

Alison Balsom’s homepage

Iestyn Davies’ homepage

Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne