Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – An English Coronation, 1902-1953 (2019)
FLAC (tracks) 24-bit/96 kHz | Time – 02:38:52 minutes | 2,63 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Master, Official Digital Download | Digital Booklet, Front Cover | © Signum Records
Fans of the British crown’s splendour will certainly marvel at this double album that reproduces the coronation anthems of the four monarchs of the 20th century: Edward VII in 1902, George V in 1911, George VI in 1937, and current Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Very few of today’s ceremonies can reach such levels of grandeur.
At the crossroads of tradition and innovation, these coronation ceremonies are characterised by the evocation of past heritage works, and the addition of numerous pieces commissioned specifically for the occasion to the best composers in the kingdom. For such events, Westminster Abbey is closed for several months to allow an army of craftsmen to build monumental galleries capable of hosting up to eight thousand guests. Then come the rehearsals with 400-singer choirs, half of them children, an immense orchestra, and the indispensable great organ.
This recording is a selection of the best moments of these ceremonies, presented as a single liturgical structure. This ample reconstitution led by Paul McCreesh follows for the most part the 1937 ceremony, dropping however the era’s typical style when interpreting Handel. The musical approach has changed so much that it is presented here in the “baroque” style characteristic of our early 21st century. Some difficult choices were made, particularly regarding the Te Deum, the centrepiece and climax of the ceremony. A Cornelian choice between the ones from Stanford (1902), Parry (1911), Vaughan Williams (1937) and William Walton (1953). The latter was finally chosen, for its radiance and theatrical impetus. – François Hudry
Tracklist:
CD1
01. Coronation March, Op. 65
02. The King’s Herald
03. Rejoice Today with One Accord
04. O Most Merciful
05. Litany
06. O God, Our Help in Ages Past
07. Three Chorale Fantasias: I. O God, Our Help in Ages Past
08. Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Op. 39: No. 1 in D Major
09. Entrance Fanfare
10. I Was Glad
11. The Presentation, Fanfares and Acclamations
12. The Administration and Signing of the Oath
13. O Hearken Thou, Op. 64
14. The Collect
15. Peter 2:13-17
16. Hear My Prayer, O Lord, Z. 15
17. Matthew 22:15
18. Mass in G Minor: Creed
19. Come, Holy Ghost
20. The Prayer over the Ampulla
21. Zadok the Priest, HWV 258
22. The Anointing and Blessing
CD2
01. Prayers, Acclamations and Crowning Fanfare
02. Confortare (Be strong and play the man)
03. The King Receives the Holy Bible
04. The Blessing of the King and People
05. The Exhortation
06. Rejoice in the Lord Alway
07. I Will Not Leave You Comfortless
08. O Clap Your Hands Together
09. Thou Wilt Keep Him in Perfect Peace
10. Homage Fanfare and Acclamations
11. All People That on Earth do Dwell (The Old Hundredth Psalm Tune)
12. The Offertory Prayer and Prayer for the Church Militant
13. The Exhortation, General Confession and Absolution
14. The Preface
15. Mass in G Minor: Sanctus
16. The Prayer of Humble Access and Prayer of Consecration
17. O Taste and See
18. The Lord’s Prayer
19. The Post-Communion Prayer
20. ‘Coronation’ Gloria in B flat
21. The Blessing
22. Threefold Amen
23. Coronation Te Deum
24. Recessional and National Anthem
25. Crown Imperial
Personnel:
Gabrieli
Paul McCreesh, conductor
Download:
mqs.link_GabrieliSim0nRussellBealePaulMcCreeshAnEnglishC0r0nati0n1902195320192496.part1.rar
mqs.link_GabrieliSim0nRussellBealePaulMcCreeshAnEnglishC0r0nati0n1902195320192496.part2.rar
mqs.link_GabrieliSim0nRussellBealePaulMcCreeshAnEnglishC0r0nati0n1902195320192496.part3.rar