Dixit Dominus, HWV 232
Staff Notation • Sacred, Motets
13 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
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Dixit Dominus, HWV 232 by George Fredrick Handel — Lyrics
About Dixit Dominus, HWV 232
This powerful setting of Psalm 110 (109) is a cornerstone of the sacred choral repertoire, often sung during services celebrating the Ascension. Handel's Dixit Dominus is a dramatic and virtuosic work, originally composed during his Italian sojourn. The text, which speaks of divine authority and the establishment of an everlasting priesthood, is rendered with thrilling energy and grandeur. Handel employs a demanding eight-part choir (SSATB|SSATB), supported by soloists, to bring out the full majesty of the Latin psalm. From the thunderous opening to moments of tender reflection, the work offers a profound and engaging musical experience for both performers and listeners, showcasing Handel's early genius.