Music for Royal Occasions  (Audio CD) 
by The Band of Her Majesty's Coldstream Guards

Music for Royal Occasions

The monarchy remains as popular as ever. Here is a programme of music for royal occasions, from coronations to weddings. Choirs, orchestras, military bands, organs and fanfare trumpets perform stirring music with plenty of good cheer, in a hearty programme of great British tunes. A part of the British psyche for centuries, the royal family and its institutions retain a place in the heart of the nation. State, church and monarchy are still inextricably linked, and the sounds of this album reflect this, with a combination of ceremonial music for processions and outdoor events, together with music which would be heard inside one of the great cathedrals of London, for a coronation, a marriage, or an anniversary celebration. And, just as the British do these sorts of things the best, so its composers have risen again and again to the challenge of providing appropriate music which captures the spirit of the moment - and of the nation as a whole. Even Handel, that honorary Englishman, caught the mood with his 'Fireworks' music. And before him, Henry Purcell, organist at Westminster Abbey, wrote tunes which have become patriotic favourites, beloved of people of all ages, and frequently heard at weddings, of commoners or royalty! Sir Edward Elgar's stirring music never ceases to move, whether it is heard - and sung - by crowds gathered at royal events, the Last Night of the Proms, or even on the football terraces! Many other composers are famous almost only for a single, royal work, such as Sir Thomas Arne, whose 'Rule, Britannia' was composed for a royal birthday in the mid-eighteenth century. The military bands which appear on this album can often be heard on state occasions, whether to accompany the daily ritual of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, or for more grand events in the public spaces of our biggest cities. Along with organs, orchestras and choirs, they add an excellent blend of sound to this uplifting album.

A part of the British psyche for centuries, the royal family and its institutions retain a place in the heart of the nation. State, church and monarchy are still inextricably linked, and the sounds of this album reflect this, with a combination of ceremonial music for processions and outdoor events, together with music which would be heard inside one of the great cathedrals of London, for a coronation, a marriage, or an anniversary celebration. And, just as the British do these sorts of things the best, so its composers have risen again and again to the challenge of providing appropriate music which captures the spirit of the moment - and of the nation as a whole. Even Handel, that honorary Englishman, caught the mood with his 'Fireworks' music. And before him, Henry Purcell, organist at Westminster Abbey, wrote tunes which have become patriotic favourites, beloved of people of all ages, and frequently heard at weddings, of commoners or royalty!

Sir Edward Elgar's stirring music never ceases to move, whether it is heard - and sung - by crowds gathered at royal events, the Last Night of the Proms, or even on the football terraces! Many other composers are famous almost only for a single, royal work, such as Sir Thomas Arne, whose 'Rule, Britannia' was composed for a royal birthday in the mid-eighteenth century.

The military bands which appear on this album can often be heard on state occasions, whether to accompany the daily ritual of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, or for more grand events in the public spaces of our biggest cities. Along with organs, orchestras and choirs, they add an excellent blend of sound to this uplifting album.