Splendor and Glory: Handel's "Fireworks" on the Organ at Bergson
When George Frideric Handel meets the grand electronic organ at the Bergson Kunstkraftwerk, royal splendor transforms into a dazzling sonic experience. In “Glanz und Gloria,” some of the most festive and spectacular works of the Baroque era come to life—and thanks to “Orgelsound 360°,” the sound isn’t limited to the front: it fills the entire room, emanating from various directions, allowing you to experience it physically.
Handel knew better than almost anyone else how to make a musical impression. His “Music for the Royal Fireworks” was composed in 1749 for a massive open-air spectacle in London—featuring around 100 musicians and real fireworks. At the concert at Bergson, there’s no need for cannons or rockets: the organ takes on the role of the entire orchestra and unleashes Handel’s musical fireworks right in the middle of the hall.
“Zadok the Priest” is also among the great soundtracks of power. Handel composed the piece in 1727 for the coronation of King George II—and it has been performed at every British coronation ever since, most recently for King Charles III in 2023. Its famous opening—which begins softly and swells—and the overwhelming entrance of the orchestra are among the most powerful moments in ceremonial music.
Then there is the “Entrance of the Queen of Sheba” from “Solomon”: brilliant trumpets, dance-like rhythms, and a musical entrance that truly sounds as if a queen and her entire court were entering the room. It’s no wonder this music is popular at weddings when the bride enters the church.
The program concludes with a suite from Handel’s oratorio “Saul,” which is less about courtly splendor and more about dramatic intensity. Here, the composer’s other side is revealed: Handel was capable not only of triumph and festivity, but also of dark abysses, passion, and theatrical tension.
“Splendor and Glory” is thus more than just a Handel concert. It is a musical journey through power, triumph, spectacle, and drama—from royal coronation ceremonies to fireworks. And the grand organ at the Bergson Kunstkraftwerk transforms all of this into a sonic experience that is not only heard but felt throughout the entire body.
Another date for “Orgelsound 360°”:
June 4, 2027: Orgelsound 360°: Pictures at an Exhibition
Cast
Hansjörg Albrecht, organ
Bergson Principal Organist
Program
George Frideric Handel:
“Music for the Royal Fireworks” HWV 351
Coronation Anthem “Zadok the Priest” HWV 258
“The Entry of the Queen of Sheba” from Solomon, HWV 67
Suite from the oratorio *Saul* HWV 53
Admission and Tickets
Doors open at 3:30 pm
Start: 4:00 pm
End: 5:15 pm
Fair-Price Ticket: 44€
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Social-Price Ticket: 28€
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