The Coronation and The Derby (Today's Double Header!)

I have to smile at all my colleagues who, like me, watch the royal events across the pond for love of the music and pageantry. And today's musical performances were so worth the time to hear. 

However, my takeaway from the coronation was the parade. For years I have wondered why parades did not coordinate their music to be played in unison and have their movement in unison. After all, we have had the technology to make this happen for quite some time now. Today that itch was scratched for me and in such an excellent way. I am happy and relieved that someone finally decided to champion this parade precision. After all..aren't parades precision events? 

My day ended with the Kentucky Derby. Congratulations to Mage, number 8. 

So have a mint julep tonight if you are in a celebratory mood and, if you have the chance, catch some of the coronation performances on the web. Here is an overview:

Hubert Parry's (1848 - 1918)  setting of Psalm 122:1-3, 6-7

Paul Mealor (b 1975)  Kyrie eleison 

William Byrd (c 1540 - 1623)  from the Book of Common Prayer

William Byrd   Gloria from Mass for four voices

Debbie Wiseman (b 1963)   Psalm 47: 1-2/6-7a (composed for this service)

Rabanus Maurus (c 780 - 856)  Veni, creator spiritus, plainsong (sung in English, Welsh, Gaelic, Irish)

George Frideric Handel   1 Kings 1:39-40 Zadok the Priest

Byzantine Chant Ensemble   Psalms 72: 1-2,4-5, 7; 20:9

Richard Strauss (1864 - 1949)/arr. Paul Mealor   Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare

Thomas Weelkes (c 1576 - 1623)  Lord Grant the King from the Book of Common Prayer

Henry Walford Davies (1869 - 1941)/arr John Rutter  Confortare after 1 Kings 2: 1-3

Andrew Lloyd Webber (b 1948)   Make a Joyful Noise after Psalm 98

Henry Purcell/arr James O'Donnell (b 1961)  Westminster Abbey

Roxanna Panufnik (b 1968)  Sanctus (composed for this service)

Tarik O'Regan (b 1978)  Lamb of God (composed for this service)

William Boyce (1711 - 79)  Psalm 2: 1.3

William Walton/arr. John Rutter  Te Deum laudamus

Edward Elgar/arr. Iain Farrington  March Pomp and Circumstance no. 4

Hubert Parry  chorale Fantasia on 'The Old Hundredth'

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