Handel Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Zadok the Priest from Coronation Anthems by George IIGeorg Friedrich Händel16rank/position

Handel: Coronation Anthem for King George II: Zadok the Priest [Naxos Classical Curations Special Edition: FIFA World Cup]

A coronation anthem composed in 1727.

Written to celebrate the accession of King George II of Great Britain, this work is a solemn piece of sacred music that fuses a grand orchestra with chorus.

After a quiet introduction, the suddenly explosive choral entry overwhelms the listener.

Its lyrics, based on the Old Testament, powerfully express the king’s sanctity and the people’s blessings.

As an iconic piece of royal ceremonial music, it remains a tradition performed at coronations to this day.

It is also familiar to football fans as the theme of the UEFA Champions League, so even those not accustomed to classical music may have heard it at least once.

“Alla Hornpipe” from Water MusicGeorg Friedrich Händel17rank/position

Handel: Water Music – Alla Hornpipe (Harty)

One piece from the orchestral suites composed by George Frideric Handel in 1717.

Said to have been written for a boating party on the River Thames, this work is characterized by its bright and splendid melodies.

In a dance-like movement featuring trumpets and horns, its lively, rhythmic character is striking.

It is frequently performed at weddings and celebrations, and is widely used as background music in films and television.

It’s also perfect as graduation ceremony BGM, especially for entrance scenes where you want to create a festive atmosphere.

Highly recommended for those who wish to celebrate a new beginning with a cheerful, forward-looking spirit.

Alla Hornpipe, No. 2 from Water Music Suite No. 2Georg Friedrich Händel18rank/position

Handel Water Music: Hornpipe; the FestspielOrchester Göttingen, Laurence Cummings, director 4K

An orchestral piece that can be considered one of Handel’s signature works.

“Alla Hornpipe” means “in a folk-dance style.” Handel originally served at the court in Hanover, Germany, but he ignored orders to return and remained in England.

There is a story that when his former patron later came to England as king, Handel composed Water Music to curry favor with him.

Overture from Music for the Royal FireworksGeorg Friedrich Händel19rank/position

Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks: Overture [Naxos Classical Curations #Gorgeous]

This piece was performed in Britain in 1749, the year after the War of the Austrian Succession ended.

It consists of four movements, in which the brass instruments resoundingly convey vigor, splendor, and the joy of victory.

“Messiah” Hallelujah ChorusGeorg Friedrich Händel20rank/position

Messiah “Hallelujah”

The P&G Ariel commercial titled “Yellowing When Switching Seasonal Clothes.” In it, Toma Ikuta hangs laundry under a blue sky while explaining the product.

Adding a sense of openness and grandeur to the already refreshingly pleasant spot is the “Hallelujah” chorus from Messiah.

That melody, repeating the word “Hallelujah,” is probably familiar to just about everyone.

Incidentally, “Hallelujah” carries a nuance of blessing, so it matches the joy of laundry being washed clean.

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