The English composer Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote an anthem for King Charles III‘s coronation, adapting a piece of church music meant to evoke joy. Lloyd Webber penned the scores for blockbuster musicals such as Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, and Evita. It includes words adapted from Psalm 98 and is scored primarily for Westminster Abbey’s choir and organ. The piece is one of a dozen new works commissioned by Charles for the grand occasion, reported the Associated Press. “I hope my anthem reflects this joyful occasion,” Webber said in a statement released by Buckingham Palace. To reflect modern Britain, the palace’s coronation ceremony program incorporates traditional and contemporary elements. There are artists from all four nations of the United Kingdom, as well as from Commonwealth countries and foreign countries that contributed to its population and culture.
A number of works will be included in the service, including those by William Byrd (1543–1623), George Frideric Handel (1685–1759), Edward Elgar (1857–1934), Henry Walford Davies (1869–1941), William Walton (1902–1983), Hubert Parry (1848–1918) and Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958), whose music has been featured in previous coronations, as well as the contemporary Welsh composer Karl Jenkins. Additionally, new works will be presented by Sarah Class, Nigel Hess, Paul Mealor, Tarik O’Regan, Roxanna Panufnik, Shirley J. Thompson, Judith Weir, Roderick Williams, and Debbie Wiseman. “The decision to combine old and new reflects the cultural breadth of the age in which we live,” said Andrew Nethsingha, the organist and master of choristers at Westminster Abbey.
Videos by PopCulture.com
“Coronations have taken place in Westminster Abbey since 1066. It has been a privilege to collaborate with his majesty in choosing fine musicians and accessible, communicative music for this great occasion,” Nethsingha said. Across the classical, sacred, film, television, and musical theater genres, six orchestral commissions, five choral commissions, and one organ commission were composed for the coronation. Also included in the program are tributes to Charles’ late father, Prince Philip, who was born a Greek prince. The new monarch requested Greek Orthodox music that the Byzantine Chant Ensemble will perform. While specific service details will remain a secret, according to the Associated Press, one hymn will surely be sung: Handel’s “Zadok the Priest.” Since its commission for King George II’s coronation in 1727, the hymn has been played at every coronation with its rousing chorus of “God Save the King.”
Related Posts
-
Britain's Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and Britain's Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh react as members of France's Gendarmerie Garde Republicaine take part in a special Changing of the Guard ceremony stand on duty at Buckingham Palace in London on April 8, 2024, to mark the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale. French and British troops on April 8, 2024, swapped roles to take part in the changing of the guards ceremonies outside the palaces of the other country's head of state, in an unprecedented move to celebrate 120 years since the Entente Cordiale. France became the first non-Commonwealth country to take part in the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. (Photo by Victoria Jones / POOL / AFP) (Photo by VICTORIA JONES/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) -
Britain's King Charles III reacts after unveiling statues of late Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and late Britain's Prince Phillip upon his arrival to attend "The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance" at Royal Albert Hall, in London, on November 11, 2023 as part of the Remembrance Day commemorating the end of World War I. (Photo by MAJA SMIEJKOWSKA / POOL / AFP) (Photo by MAJA SMIEJKOWSKA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
