Simon Russell Beale, Gabrieli, Paul McCreesh – An English Coronation, 1902-1953 (2019) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

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:
01. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Coronation March, Op. 65 (10:42)
02. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – The King’s Herald (04:11)
03. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Rejoice Today with One Accord (02:00)
04. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – O Most Merciful (01:46)
05. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Litany (09:02)
06. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – O God, Our Help in Ages Past (03:50)
07. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Three Chorale Fantasias: I. O God, Our Help in Ages Past (05:00)
08. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Pomp and Circumstance Marches, Op. 39: No. 1 in D Major (05:45)
09. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Entrance Fanfare (00:54)
10. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – I Was Glad (06:57)
11. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – The Presentation, Fanfares and Acclamations (02:10)
12. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – The Administration and Signing of the Oath (01:31)
13. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – O Hearken Thou, Op. 64 (02:24)
14. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – The Collect (01:40)
15. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Peter 2:13-17 (01:00)
16. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Hear My Prayer, O Lord, Z. 15 (02:26)
17. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Matthew 22:15 (01:48)
18. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Mass in G Minor: Creed (06:52)
19. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Come, Holy Ghost (03:05)
20. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – The Prayer over the Ampulla (01:00)
21. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Zadok the Priest, HWV 258 (05:13)
22. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – The Anointing and Blessing (01:48)
23. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Prayers, Acclamations and Crowning Fanfare (01:48)
24. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Confortare (Be strong and play the man) (01:15)
25. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – The King Receives the Holy Bible (00:33)
26. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – The Blessing of the King and People (01:37)
27. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – The Exhortation (01:03)
28. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Rejoice in the Lord Alway (02:43)
29. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – I Will Not Leave You Comfortless (01:54)
30. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – O Clap Your Hands Together (04:37)
31. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Thou Wilt Keep Him in Perfect Peace (03:20)
32. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Homage Fanfare and Acclamations (02:01)
33. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – All People That on Earth do Dwell (The Old Hundredth Psalm Tune) (05:15)
34. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – The Offertory Prayer and Prayer for the Church Militant (03:32)
35. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – The Exhortation, General Confession and Absolution (03:20)
36. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – The Preface (01:39)
37. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Mass in G Minor: Sanctus (02:45)
38. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – The Prayer of Humble Access and Prayer of Consecration (02:46)
39. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – O Taste and See (01:49)
40. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – The Lord’s Prayer (01:29)
41. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – The Post-Communion Prayer (01:28)
42. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – ‘Coronation’ Gloria in B flat (05:06)
43. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – The Blessing (01:03)
44. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Threefold Amen (01:04)
45. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Coronation Te Deum (09:03)
46. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Recessional and National Anthem (10:11)
47. Gabrieli, Simon Russell Beale & PaulMcCreesh – Crown Imperial (06:27)