Drop the Needle - The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla
Handel, Elgar, Walton, and Parry, and a final note
The historic coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla took place on May 6th, 2023, at the illustrious Westminster Abbey in London. Let's delve into the powerful and majestic music that has been an integral part of British coronations.
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Grand Unified Spotify Playlist of all music in this issue:
George Frideric Handel, the brilliant Baroque composer, left an indelible mark on the world of music. Among his remarkable works, Zadok the Priest stands out as a composition closely associated with coronations. Originally written for the coronation of King George II in 1727, this awe-inspiring anthem has since been performed at every British coronation, becoming an enduring symbol of regal pageantry and ceremonial magnificence. Its timeless appeal and resonance with such momentous occasions speak volumes about Handel's genius and the sheer power of his music.
As the choral voices rise, Zadok the Priest sweeps us into a world of awe and reverence. The majestic opening fanfare resounds with transcendent regal authority. Handel's skillful composition beautifully captures the grandeur, solemnity, and triumph of the coronation ritual, serving as a fitting accompaniment to the crowning of British monarchs.
George Frideric Händel (1685 — 1759) German-British - Zadok the Priest
YouTube Performance: Choristers from Chapel Choir of Methodist College Belfast, Choristers from Truro Cathedral Choir, Coronation Orchestra, Fanfare Trumpeters of The Royal Air Force, Octet from the Monteverdi Choir directed by Peter Holder, The Choir of His Majesty's Chapel Royal, St James's Palace, The Choir of Westminster Abbey, conducted by Andrew Nethsingha and Antonio Pappano
Notice in some of the closeups that some of the choristers have the music memorized!
Spotify Performance: BBC Concert Orchestra with the Royal Choral Society conducted by Barry Wordsworth, Royal Albert Hall
Sir Edward Elgar, the renowned English composer, has gifted us numerous stirring compositions, including the universally recognized graduation tune, Pomp and Circumstance. However, his Coronation March is a lesser-known gem—a perfect groove for The Needle!
The Coronation March is an opulent musical rhapsody composed in 1902 specifically for the coronation of King Edward VII, following the lengthy reign of Queen Victoria. Reflecting the splendor, dignity, and pageantry befitting such a historic event, Elgar's masterpiece stands as a testament to his exceptional ability to capture regal grandeur and the ceremonial spirit of momentous occasions. The composition resonates with deep patriotism and reverence for British tradition and royalty.
Immerse yourself in the tapestry of orchestral splendor that unfolds within the Coronation March. The resounding brass fanfares herald the arrival of the monarch, commanding attention and exuding noble authority. As the themes are engaged by more and more of the orchestra, the music swells with regal grandeur, transporting us to a world of ceremonial magnificence. Elgar's composition takes us on a journey, seamlessly transitioning from triumphant fanfares to lyrical interludes, offering moments of reflection and introspection. The wide range orchestral colors ebb and flow, creating a sense of awe and reverence, while the unforgettable melodies linger in the imagination of our hearts.
Sir Edward Elgar (1857 — 1934), English - Coronation March (1902)
YouTube Performance: BBC Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Andrew Frank Davis
Spotify Performance: London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Barry Tuckwell
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Sir William Walton, one of the most prominent British composers of the 20th century, has left an indelible mark on the musical landscape. His Coronation Te Deum is a testament to his artistic prowess and serves as a musical tribute to the regal splendor associated with coronations.
Commissioned for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, Walton's Coronation Te Deum beautifully combines grandeur with introspection, capturing the essence of the ancient Te Deum text while infusing it with Walton's distinctive harmonic language and dramatic flair.
From the opening majestic brass fanfares to the soaring choral passages, Coronation Te Deum evokes a range of emotions. The music swells with gratitude and awe, reflecting the collective voice of the people. Walton's skillful composition takes us on a journey of celebration and exaltation, punctuated by moments of solemnity and introspection. The poignant melodic lines rise above lush harmonic textures, creating a sense of reverence and spiritual contemplation. The orchestration adds to the grandeur, with dramatic climaxes and vibrant sonorities, making the composition a truly immersive experience.
YouTube Performance: Choristers from Chapel Choir of Methodist College Belfast, Choristers from Truro Cathedral Choir, Coronation Orchestra, Fanfare Trumpeters of The Royal Air Force, Octet from the Monteverdi Choir directed by Peter Holder, The Choir of His Majesty's Chapel Royal, St James's Palace, The Choir of Westminster Abbey, conducted by Andrew Nethsingha and Antonio Pappano
Spotify Performance: conducted by Paul McCreesh
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Walton's masterpiece Orb and Scepter, composed in 1953 for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, captures the splendor and significance of the British monarchy's regalia. The orb and scepter, emblematic of royal authority, are central to the regal coronation ceremony. The orb, representing the world, signifies the monarch's global dominion and responsibility. The scepter, a staff of authority, embodies the ruler's power and divine right to govern.
Orb and Scepter heralds the arrival of the monarch with bold and majestic fanfares from the whole orchestra, evoking a sense of regal grandeur. As the music swells and soars, listeners are immersed in a world of ceremonial splendor, carried by the resounding orchestral textures and vibrant melodies. Walton's skillful orchestration and intricate musical tapestry elevate the piece, ensuring it resonates with the solemnity, majesty, and national pride surrounding the orb and scepter.
YouTube Performance: London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Adrian Boult
Spotify Performance: London Symphony Orchestra conducted by André Previn
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Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry's forceful setting of I Was Glad (Psalm 122) holds a special place in British musical heritage, especially for the musicians of the church. Composed in 1902 for the coronation of King Edward VII, it exudes grandeur, power, and a sense of national unity.
From its powerful opening proclamation, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord," Parry's composition captivates with its rich tapestry of harmonies, intricate vocal lines, and dynamic contrasts. The heraldic brass sections, accompanied by lush strings and majestic organ passages, add a regal touch to the composition, enveloping listeners in a world of splendor.
YouTube Performance: Choristers from Chapel Choir of Methodist College Belfast, Choristers from Truro Cathedral Choir, Coronation Orchestra, Fanfare Trumpeters of The Royal Air Force, Octet from the Monteverdi Choir directed by Peter Holder, The Choir of His Majesty's Chapel Royal, St James's Palace, The Choir of Westminster Abbey, conducted by Andrew Nethsingha and Antonio Pappano
Spotify Performance: Cambridge University Musical Society Chorus, Choir of King's College, Cambridge, New Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Military School of Music Band, conducted by Philip Ledger
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In the realm of British musical heritage, one composition stands as a beacon of national pride and aspiration—Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry's Jerusalem. With its soaring melody and lyrics inspired by William Blake's visionary poem, this iconic hymn evokes a sense of unity and determination in the face of societal challenges.
Jerusalem encapsulates the spirit of a nation striving for social justice and spiritual renewal. Its poignant call to build a better society resonates deeply, urging us to challenge the injustices symbolized by the haunting imagery of those "dark satanic mills." The hymn serves as a rallying cry, igniting a collective will to transcend the limitations of the present and work towards a future guided by justice, compassion, and equality.
As voices are raised to sing the immortal words, "And did those feet in ancient time," the timeless message of Jerusalem unites us in a shared vision of a transformed world. It inspires us to dismantle the oppressive structures represented by the metaphorical mills and replace them with harmony, love, and understanding.
Let the resounding chords of Jerusalem echo through the ages, reminding us of our collective responsibility to overcome division and injustice. Together, we can strive for a future where the darkness of tyranny is vanquished, and the light of a new Jerusalem illuminates our path towards a better world for all.
As we carry the spirit of Jerusalem in our hearts, let us be inspired to challenge the status quo, dismantle oppressive systems, and build a society where the echoes of those dark satanic mills are silenced forever.
YouTube Performance: Everyone in attendance at Royal Albert Hall on the final night of BBC Proms, 2018
Spotify Performance: Everyone in attendance at Royal Albert Hall on the final night of BBC Proms
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Final Note
I used ChatGPT (GPT stands for Generative Pre-Trained Transformer, by the way) to help write, except this final note, everything including the ads. I bought a monthly $20 subscription to ChatGPT version 4, so I will likely continue using it to some degree. Let me clarify what I mean by ‘help.’ I would write content, then I would ask it to make it more engaging. The content would go back and forth until I was happy with it.
I’m still picking the music.
Like it or not, AI is here to stay. Humans working together with machines always outperforms either in isolation. I will use ChatGPT for other projects that I have in mind. I hope teeming up with the leading AI chatbot helps make Drop’s content more engaging and helps to increase the reader’s recognition and appreciation of music literature and repertoire.
Keep calm, and listen on!