Poetry and Music in Handel's Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne

"Hndel composed an ode for the birthday of Queen Anne in 1713. This ode was one of Handel's earliest compositions based on English texts. By analyzing the music and text, it was found that Handel used Purcell's form of the occasional ode, but he introduced some new elements in ode composition, by applying a more mechanical consideration in forming the whole. Handel also composed the ode seemingly to show his musical techniques. Particularly in the second and final movements, his skills of composing fugues are impressively exhibited. While the meaning of the poem is rather neglected, the outward beauty increased, which served Handel's purpose of the composition of this music, to gain reputation as a great musician. This ode of his is not as great as an artistic work as Purcell's occasional odes, but it was a great success, as it showed Handel's great music skills not only to the Royal family, but also to musicians.