Composer

:

William Mathias

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

A Royal Garland, Op. 77 is a choral work composed by William Mathias in 1986. It was commissioned by the Royal School of Church Music to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. The piece was premiered on June 7, 1986, at St. Paul's Cathedral in London, with the combined choirs of the Royal School of Church Music and the Chapel Royal. The work is divided into six movements, each of which sets a different text related to the British monarchy. The first movement, "God Save the Queen," is a setting of the national anthem. The second movement, "The Queen's Procession," is a lively and rhythmic piece that depicts the pomp and circumstance of a royal procession. The third movement, "The Queen's Speech," is a more contemplative piece that sets a portion of the Queen's coronation speech. The fourth movement, "The Queen's Jubilee," is a celebratory piece that sets a text by the composer himself. The fifth movement, "The Queen's Prayer," is a setting of a prayer written by the Archbishop of Canterbury for the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977. The final movement, "The National Anthem," is a reprise of the first movement. The characteristics of A Royal Garland, Op. 77 are typical of Mathias's choral writing. The work is characterized by its use of rich harmonies, rhythmic vitality, and a sense of grandeur and celebration. The piece is also notable for its use of antiphonal choirs, with the choir divided into two groups that sing back and forth to each other. Overall, A Royal Garland, Op. 77 is a fitting tribute to the British monarchy and a testament to Mathias's skill as a choral composer. Its premiere at St. Paul's Cathedral was a fitting tribute to the Queen's long and illustrious reign, and the piece continues to be performed and enjoyed by choirs around the world.

More....