Dixit Dominus (Handel)

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The psalm setting (Psalm 110, Vulgate 109) Dixit Dominus, HWV 232, was completed by George Friederic Handel in April 1707. It is Handel's earliest surviving autograph. It is most likely that the work was first performed on 16 July 1707 in the Church of Santa Maria in Montesanto, under the patronage of the Colonna family.

A typical performance lasts a little over 30 minutes.

[edit] Movements

The work has the following movements:

Movement	Type and Voice	Text
1	Chorus	The Lord said unto my Lord: Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy foot-stool
2	Aria (Countertenor solo)	The Lord shall send the rod of thy power out of Sion: be thou ruler, even in the midst among thine enemies.
3	Aria (Soprano solo)	In the day of thy power shall the people offer thee free-will offerings with an holy worship: the dew of thy birth is of the womb of the morning.
4	Chorus	The Lord sware, and will not repent.
5	Chorus	Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech.
6	Soloists and Chorus	The Lord upon thy right hand: shall wound even kings in the day of his wrath.
7	Soloists and Chorus	He shall judge among the heathen: he shall fill the places with the dead bodies: and smite in sunder the heads over diverse countries.
8	Soprano and Chorus	He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up his head.
9	Chorus	Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.