An Ode or Serenata for the Birth Day of Queen Ann Composed in the Year 1713 - Handel, George Frideric 1685-1759; Philips, Ambrose 1674-1749 (London Arnold, 1787)
The ode, which lasts about half an hour, was composed as homage music for the birthday of the British Queen Anne on 6 February 1713, i.e. a few months after Handel had come to London for the second time (and now for good). At the time of its conception, the conclusion of the Peace of Utrecht, in whose negotiations Queen Anne had participated, was imminent. The poem is therefore at the same time a thanksgiving for the conclusion of the peace; and refers mainly to the Treaty of Utrecht, which brought an end to the War of the Spanish Succession. Since Queen Anne was ill on her birthday in 1713, it is assumed that the performance did not take place until a year later.
Keywords: 18th Century (1701-1800); Vocal music; Ode; London (United Kingdom)