‘I hope we can recognise the vital role music plays within a society’
It was almost surreal for me to be sitting in Westminster Abbey in the same pews I sat in when I was at school at Westminster 60 years ago hearing my anthem alongside a superbly performed programme of choral music. Westminster Abbey is the building that introduced me to architecture when I was a small boy. Architecture and music have been the great passions of my life ever since I can remember.
Inside the Abbey, before, during and after the Service, every inch of this superb Gothic building (one of the finest in the world, I believe) was filled with sublime music – from traditional choral music (a great interest His Majesty The King and I share) to new, exciting and thrilling music.
It encapsulated the very sense of this service. While some parts dated from the 9th Century, other parts were new, fresh and felt very befitting of the age in which we live.
As we sat and waited for the start, Pretty Yende’s soprano voice singing Sarah Class’s Sacred Fire was mesmerising and, as Parry’s I Was Glad ended, I imagine millions around the country felt the sense of anticipation we did in the Abbey. It was so appropriate for the service to start with Bryn Terfel’s beautiful Welsh tenor voice, marking a man who served as Prince of Wales for over 64 years.
After almost 70 years, I had not anticipated how moving it would be to hear Handel’s Zadok the Priest where it belongs – as we watched a new King of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth crowned.
I am still completely overwhelmed by the reaction to Make A Joyful Noise. Led by the brilliant Andrew Nethsingha, the choir, the organist, the orchestra and the RAF Fanfare were fantastic. As the Service ended yesterday, I understand the Anthem was sent to over 6,000 churches and choirs. I sincerely hope Make A Joyful Noise will be sung in the future by choirs at weddings and many other joyful celebrations up and down the country, and across the world.
Most of all, I am humbled to have composed the Coronation Album for a King who stands for the arts, music, our communities and built environment and, of course, for preserving our planet.
At the end of a weekend of music from Westminster Abbey to Windsor, where the most traditional and the most modern music has been brought together, I hope we can recognise the vital role music plays within a society – be it at moments of great national celebration or in everyday life – to bring people from all walks of life together.
I am a passionate believer in the vitality of music for young people and have long campaigned for it to be at the heart of the national curriculum in this country. This weekend, music has helped to bring our nation together. I sincerely hope the Government has taken heed.
As I reflect on my career to date, I will never forget a weekend of awe-inspiring music, and the honour of composing Make A Joyful Noise for a very remarkable man and King.
