Zadok the Priest by G F Handel

The text of Zadok is derived from the biblical account of the anointing of Solomon by Zadok and Nathan and the people's rejoicing at this event. Handel's setting has been used at every English coronation since 1727. It is traditionally performed during the sovereign's anointing and its text is from 1 Kings (1:38–40). Its duration is just over five minutes. The music prepares a surprise in its orchestral introduction, through the use of static layering of soft textures, followed by a sudden rousing forte tutti entrance.

The Lamb by John Tavener

The words are a poem by William Blake, published in Songs of Innocence in 1789. Like many of Blake's works, the poem is about Christianity.

In the first stanza, the speaker wonders who the lamb's creator is; the answer lies at the end of the poem. Here we find a physical description of the lamb, seen as a pure and gentle creature. In the second stanza, the lamb is compared with the infant Jesus, as well as between the lamb and the speaker's soul. In the last two lines the speaker identifies the creator: God.

Blessed be the God and Father by S S Wesley

Born in London, Samuel Sebastian Wesley was the eldest child in the composer Samuel Wesley's second family.  Samuel Sebastian was the grandson of Charles Wesley.  His middle name derived from his father's lifelong admiration for the music of Bach.

After singing in the choir of the Chapel Royal as a boy, Samuel Sebastian embarked on a career as a musician, and was appointed organist at Hereford Cathedral in 1832. He moved to Exeter Cathedral three years later, and subsequently held appointments at Leeds Parish Church, Winchester Cathedral and Gloucester Cathedral.