' are not only in a minor key, but
slow and plaintive."

Burney further says, speaking of its performance at the great Handel
Commemoration in Westminster Abbey in 1784:--

"As it was composed for a military triumph, the fourteen trumpets, two
pairs of common kettledrums, two pairs of double drums from the Tower,
and a pair of double-bass drums made expressly for this occasion, were
introduced with great propriety; indeed, these last drums, except the
destruction, had all the effect of the most powerful artillery."

The Te Deum contains eighteen short solos and choruses, mostly of a
brilliant, martial character, the solos being divided between the alto,
baritone, and bass. After a brief instrumental prelude, the work opens
with the triumphant, jubilant chorus with trumpets and drums, "We praise
Thee, O God," written for five parts, the sopranos being divided into
firsts and seconds, containing also a short alto solo leading to a
closing fugue. The second number ("All the Earth doth worship Thee") is
also an alto solo with five-part chorus of the same general character. It
is followed by a semi-chorus in three parts ("To Thee all Angels cry
aloud"), plaintive in style, as has already been observed, and leading to
the full chorus ("To Thee Cherubim and Seraphim"), which is majestic in
its movement and rich in harmony. The fifth number is a quartet and
chorus ("The glorious Company of the Apostles praise Thee"), dominated by
the bass, with responses from the other parts, and followed by a short
full chorus ("Thine adorable, true, and only Son"). The seventh number is
a stirring bass solo with trumpets ("Thou art the King of Glory"),
leading without break into a stately choral enunciation of the same
words. The eighth is a slow and plaintive bass solo, usually sung by a
tenor ("When Thou tookest upon Thee to deliver Man"), followed by a grave
and impressive chorus ("When Thou hadst overcome the Sharpness of
Death"). The next number is a trio for alto, tenor, and bass ("Thou
sittest at the Right Hand of God"), closing with a beautiful adagio
effect. A fanfare of trumpets introduces the next four numbers, all
choruses, set to four verses of the hymn:--

"We therefore pray Thee, help Thy servants: Whom Thou hast redeemed
with Thy precious blood.
"Make them to be numbered with Thy Saints: in glory everlasting.
"O Lord, save Thy people: and bless Thine heritage.
"Govern them: and lift them up foreve