Composer

:

William Walton

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Te Deum

Compose Date

:

1952 - 1953

Average_duration

:

10:06

William Walton's 'Coronation Te Deum' is a choral work that was composed in 1953 for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The piece was premiered on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey in London, where it was performed by the choir of Westminster Abbey, conducted by Sir William McKie. The 'Coronation Te Deum' is divided into four movements, each of which is based on a different section of the Te Deum, a hymn of praise that has been used in Christian liturgy for centuries. The first movement, 'We Praise Thee, O God', is a joyful and exuberant setting of the opening lines of the Te Deum. The second movement, 'All the Earth doth Worship Thee', is a more subdued and contemplative section that features a solo soprano voice. The third movement, 'To Thee all Angels Cry Aloud', is a dramatic and powerful section that features the full choir and organ. The final movement, 'O Lord, in Thee have I trusted', is a quiet and reflective section that brings the piece to a peaceful and serene conclusion. The 'Coronation Te Deum' is characterized by its grandeur and majesty, as well as its use of rich harmonies and soaring melodies. The piece is also notable for its use of antiphonal effects, with the choir and organ trading phrases back and forth to create a sense of space and depth. Overall, the 'Coronation Te Deum' is a fitting tribute to the occasion for which it was composed, and it remains a popular and beloved choral work to this day.

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