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 middle section "And all the people rejoic'd, and said" is an imitatory dance in 3/4 time, mainly with the choir singing chordally and a dotted rhythm in the accompaniament.

The final section "God save the King, etc" is a return to common time (4/4), with the "God save the King" section heard chordally, interspersed with the Amens incorporating long semiquaver runs which are taken in turn through all the voice parts with the other parts singing quaver chords accompanying it. The chorus ends with a slow cadence on "Allelujah".