Royal Music

[Windsor]

I will post from time to time music that is directly and indirectly associated with Royalty, as well as music that I personally relate to the idea of Monarchy.

Perhaps it is fitting that I start this selection of music with the Coronation Anthems of Handel composed for the Coronation of King George II in 1727.

[Windsor]

To expand further on the Coronation Anthems, here are a few other pieces which are normally played at Coronations.

Trumpet Tune - by Henry Purcell. This piece has been played at most coronations since that of King James II of England, and VI of Scotland in April 1685. It was played at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

I Was Glad - by Sir Charles Hubert Hastings Parry. This piece was composed originally by Henry Purcell too, though it was rewritten in 1902 by Hubert Parry for the Coronation of King Edward VII and again slightly altered for the Coronation of King George V in 1911.

[Windsor]

For the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, this piece was somewhat altered from its original version.

The Old One Hundredth Psalm Tune - by Ralph Vaughan Williams. It was arranged for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

    All people that on earth do dwell,
    Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.
    Him serve with mirth, His praise forth tell;
    Come ye before Him and rejoice.

[Windsor]

God Save The Queen is the National and Royal Anthem of the Commonwealth Realms. Where it originates is unknown, though several composers have used parts of the tune in their compositions. The earliest was perhaps John Bull (1619) and Henry Purcell a few years later.

George Frederik Handel also used the tune widely in his compositions.

God Save The Queen by Unknown Composer. The anthem is perhaps the most popular and recognisable anthem in the world, with several other nations including Norway, Lichtenstein and the United States amongst others choosing this anthem as their own, or using the tune as part of their own patriotic musical repertoire.

    God save our gracious Queen,
    Long live our noble Queen,
    God save the Queen:
    Send her victorious,
    Happy and glorious,
    Long to reign over us:
    God save the Queen.

    O Lord, our God, arise,
    Scatter her enemies,
    And make them fall.
    Confound their politics,
    Frustrate their knavish tricks,
    On Thee our hopes we fix,
    God save us all.

    Thy choicest gifts in store,
    On her be pleased to pour;
    Long may she reign:
    May she defend our laws,
    And ever give us cause
    To sing with heart and voice
    God save the Queen.

[Windsor]

Crown Imperial by William Walton was originally composed for the coronation of King Edward VIII, which was scheduled to take place in May 1937. However, following the King's abdication in December 1936 his brother the Duke of York was proclaimed King. Crown Imperial was therefore performed for the first time at the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937.

[Windsor]

The Quick March of the Irish Guards called 'St. Patrick's Day March' is a common musical piece played at Royal events involving the Irish Guards. The piece is also played when the Irish Guards are on duty during the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

For me personally, this piece of music brings back very many happy memories of when I was in the presence of the Queen's Majesty for the first time many years ago during the Trooping the Colour.

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[Hale]

This is my favourite:  Zadok the Priest  Love it.

[wannable]

I'm listening to that one right now. Beautiful piece!  My youtube is a bit slow downloading.

[wannable]

Harry Christophers and the orchestra have done an excellent performance. I'm actually liking the second one, My heart is inditing.   Youtube is so slow, pause and waiting to download the second half.

[Windsor]

Anyone who has been to Buckingham Palace during the Changing of the Guard, or Trooping the Colour will have heard this piece of music. It is 'Scipio' it was composed by Handel and currently serves as the Slow March of Her Majesty's Grenadier Guards.

[Windsor]

Did you know that Mozart's Second Movement of Eine kleine Nachtmusik was King George IV's favourite piece of music?

[Hale]

No Windsor I didn't know that piece by Mozart was George IV's favourite.  Thanks for that.   

Scipio is another one I like.