Handel, the celebrated opera composer, was commissioned by the new king to compose the music for this grand ceremony which was due to be held at Westminster Abbey. His antiphons stood by ceremonial works by other composers such as Purcell, Blow, Tallis, Farmer, Gibbons and Child, intermingled with superb fanfares and processions of drums. The result is one of the most beautiful ceremonial works ever written for a coronation in England.