Composer

:

Arnold Bax

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

March

Compose Date

:

1952

Average_duration

:

6:47

Arnold Bax's 'Coronation March' was composed in 1937 to commemorate the coronation of King George VI. The piece was premiered on May 12, 1937, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, conducted by Sir Henry Wood. The 'Coronation March' is a grand and majestic work, typical of the pomp and circumstance associated with royal occasions. The piece is in the key of D major and is scored for a large orchestra, including brass, woodwinds, percussion, and strings. The march is divided into three main sections, each with its own distinct character. The opening section is marked by a fanfare-like motif played by the brass, which is then taken up by the rest of the orchestra. This leads into a more lyrical section, featuring a soaring melody played by the strings. The final section is a triumphant restatement of the opening fanfare, building to a grand climax. Throughout the piece, Bax makes use of rich harmonies and lush orchestration, creating a sense of grandeur and celebration. The march is also notable for its use of rhythmic variety, with frequent changes in tempo and meter adding to the sense of excitement and energy. Overall, Bax's 'Coronation March' is a fitting tribute to the occasion for which it was composed, and a testament to the composer's skill in writing for large orchestral forces.

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