Spotlight on coronations

Music

Uncover the role and significance of traditional and commissioned music within coronations throughout history.

Why is music integral to coronations? Watch Peter Holder, Sub-Organist, describe its purpose within the service in this short introduction.

Music has been incorporated in Christian worship for many hundreds of years. This is echoed at a coronation service, in which the music plays a central role. Most of the music sung within the service is sacred and uses Biblical texts.

In spite of the significance of the occasion, there is uncertainty surrounding the pieces of music performed at each coronation before it was clearly documented from the 20th century. Along with surviving musical scores, past orders of service provide the most accurate information about the music that was played and sung.

Since the 20th century, the music has been selected and coordinated by Westminster Abbey’s Organist and Master of the Choristers. In 1953, this responsibility fell to Sir William McKie, who directed a choir of many hundreds, singing from specially constructed galleries. Traditionally the coronation choir has been supported by military musicians, an orchestra and the Abbey’s organ.

The traditions of coronations are upheld through many of the musical choices. Since King Charles I’s coronation in 1626, monarchs have entered the Abbey to words from Psalm 122: "I was glad when they said unto me, we will go into the house of the Lord". Anthems by Henry Purcell and Sir Hubert Parry are much cherished examples. At the end of the service, the National Anthem has been sung since King George IV’s coronation in 1821, adapted only to swap the words King and Queen, as applicable.

One of the most famous pieces of music associated with coronations is George Frideric Handel’s Zadok the Priest. The text of Zadok the Priest is taken from the first Book of Kings (1:38-48) in the Bible, which describes the anointing of King Solomon. These words have been included at every coronation since King Edgar’s in 973AD, and since its composition in 1727, Handel’s work has been performed. Beyond coronations, it has featured at countless services and concerts, and is familiar to many as the inspiration for the UEFA Champions League Anthem.

Coronations present an opportunity to commission new music, often reflecting the musical style of the age. This was the case with Handel in 1727, as it was with Parry in 1902 and Sir William Walton in 1953, who wrote the march Orb and Sceptre for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Spotlight on coronations

An introduction

Let’s start with the basics. What happens at a coronation and why do they take place at Westminster Abbey? Watch this short introduction to coronations to get you up to speed.

Spotlight on coronations

Royal regalia

Which objects feature in a coronation service? Watch Dr Tony Trowles, Head of Abbey Collection and Librarian, explain how the replica regalia are used in coronation rehearsals.

Spotlight on coronations

Coronation Theatre

Where exactly in Westminster Abbey do coronations take place? Watch Vanessa Simeoni, Head Conservator, explain the space that becomes the coronation theatre in this short introduction.

Spotlight on coronations

The Liber Regalis

How do we know what a medieval coronation would have looked like? Watch Dr Matthew Payne, Keeper of the Muniments, uncover what we know, and don’t know, about the Liber Regalis.

Spotlight on coronations

Order of Service

How do the congregation know what will happen during coronations? Watch The Reverend Mark Birch, Minor Canon and Precentor, describe why the order of service is so important.

Spotlight on coronations

Coronation Chair

Why does it matter where the monarch sits during their coronation? Watch Dr Susan Jenkins, Curator, unpack the historical and decorative features of this special chair.

Spotlight on coronations

Ampulla and spoon

What is significant about an ampulla and spoon? Watch The Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian and Almoner, explain the most symbolic and sacred part of the coronation.