If I say I had a great coronation pre-party evening, I don’t say anything – it was a sparkling and thoughtful concert and reception in Hertfordshire’s Eden on Earth – Much Hadham. The hosts, Ashrafa and Mike Sutton invited 2 renowned sopranos and a piano virtuoso to make this evening outstanding and meaningful for a worthy cause as every raised penny from guests’ donations went to the victims of the Turkey/Syria earthquake by supporting the Hands Up Foundation.
The concert began with the performance of the West End star singer and professional dancer Gemma Fagan. Her voice had an effect of switching on all lights and tuning on the terrifically good time, are you familiar with this almost electrifying feeling?! She sang the international hits such as “Fields of gold” by Sting, “Nobody does it better” from almost immortal “Spy who loved me” and Freddy Mercury’s “Somebody to love” and simply delighted the audience. Oh, I almost forgot to mention: the master of the house accompanied the star with ease of the professional pianist. Magic you say? Technic and passion we would reply.
I have to admit another big surprise expected me with the second parting the programme of this evening: the coronation music chosen by none other than King Charles III himself for his most important day. And this is quite an unique list of music in the true sense of the word FIT FOR A KING.
Soprano Rachel Godsill lead masterfully through the concert and revealed with her witty and beautiful comments on the favourite music of the King Charles III, we explored the songs of the 20th Century Masters of the “King’s MUSICKE” (MKM). It is astonishing to know how profound the knowledge of music is deepened in the heart of the British Monarch. His preferred composer? C.H. Parry, remembered for his anthem “I was glad” which opened the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953.
Another great name to mark the Coronation is the Ivor Novello, the welch composer, his 5 incredibly complex and challenging in performance piano songs were played by Marie Noelle Kendall. It is known that the music of Novello encompassed reign of Victoria, Edward VII, Edward VIII and George VI… For those who are not familiar with his work: in 2005, the Strand Theatre, above which Novello lived for many years, was renamed the Novello Theatre, with a plaque in his honour set at the entrance. Next time when you go to the ultimate feel-good smash hit MAMMA MIA, please remember that this musical hit the London stage of the theatre with a name of one of British favourite composers: however he wasn’t actually a royal composer. But his music was playing during the reigns of several kings.
Another royal composer, Elgar, was already a royal favourite after his composition of the “Pomp and Circumstance” marches used in Edward VII coronation in 1901.
Rachel GODSILL also sang a piece by Arnold Bax, appointed MKM in 1942 by George VI who was interested in the 20th century revival of Celtic literature. Bax set the words of Fiona Macleod, a pen name used throughout his life by the poet William Sharp.
Another name of this incredible evening to know – Malcolm Williamson who was appointed MKM in 1975 by Elizabeth II, and it was a surprise appointment as, being Australian, he was the first non-Briton to hold the post. Principally remembered for failing to complete the 1977 Jubilee Symphony in time for the celebrations, he composed “Songs for a Royal Baby” for Prince Harry’s christening in 1985. He was perhaps always drawn to the innocence and intimacy of childhood rather than state pomp and splendour, and had set a group of Stevenson’s 1901 poems “ A Child’s Garden”.
Rachel’s encyclopedic knowledge of music doesn’t come as a surprise as she studied at Royal college of music in London after Cambridge, so it was great to know from the expert what we have to expect from the King Charles III Coronation. And we are happy to share it with our readers: the music which will be featured at His Majesty the King’s coronation at Westminster Abbey includes a new Coronation Anthem by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and eleven other pieces personally commissioned by King Charles, from world-renowned British composers. It might be interesting that the post of Master of the King’s Musicke, (rather like a music laureate), was created by Charles I in 1626. And the honour of the Master belongs at this coronation to Judith Weir. HM Charles III also commissioned the Coronation March by Scottish film composer, Patrick Doyle (you remember his music from “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”) and several pieces by the musical giant Andrew Lloyd Webber. Describing the musical programme, the Buckingham Palace mentioned it blends “tradition, heritage and ceremony with new musical voices of today, reflecting The King’s life-long love and support of music and the arts”.
Some more interesting facts to The Coronation Concert in Windsor: it will be hosted by Hugh Bonneville, a British actor who has starred in a variety of television shows and films, including “Downton Abbey“. Bonneville said, “I’m delighted to be taking part in this unique event, celebrating the best of musical entertainment in honour of His Majesty’s coronation. “In true British style, come rain or shine it will be a night to remember.”
My personal highlight of the music programme of the Coronation? The world class Italian tenor, featuring in the Concert, will make this event unique and unforgettable: I was very lucky to have met this big star personally for many interviews throughout my life. He is the golden voice of Italy, the one and only – Andrea Bocelli. Down to earth, extremely hard-working and constantly performing around the globe, he helps and gives hope, supporting the young talents with his Andrea Bocelli Foundation. Hand in hand and alongside his gorgeous wife Veronica.. In the Windsor concert Andrea will perform in a duet with celebrated Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel and the world will hold on in admiration.
But this is another story for another time!
By: Dr Olga Roh
Pictures: Dr Olga Roh in the coronation concert mood