The Internet's Premier Classical Music Source
Related Links
- Latest Reviews
- More Reviews
-
By Composer
-
Collections
DVD & Blu-ray
Books
Concert Reviews
Articles/Interviews
Software
Audio
Search Amazon
Recommended Links
Site News
Site Search
Follow us on
Affiliates
CD Review
The Royal Golden Jubilee
Music from Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey Choir
London Brass/Martin Neary
Griffin Records GCCD4034 74m DDD
This is supposedly the 'official' souvenir CD of the Coronation Jubilee Celebrations approved by Buckingham Palace.
There are the usual crowd rousers such as 'Praise my soul, the King of Heaven', 'I Was Glad' and the lovely, 'I Vow to Thee My Country' in choral arrangements. Martin Neary also includes a good number of ceremonial fanfares and there is also a spirited rendition of Walton's famous, 'Crown Imperial' written for the Coronation of King George VI in 1937. Interestingly enough, we have the Welsh National Anthem, no doubt to please that stirring nation who is so devoted to Bonnie Prince Charlie!
The performances are obviously good enough on all counts with the controversial Neary throwing on his musical mantle and directing with knowledgeable prowess all round, this is his sort of repertoire after all. Griffin includes a short, informative essay in their all-too-sparse booklet but I'm sure diehard Colonialists will delight at the issue of this overtly patriotic issue!
Copyright © 2002, Gerald Fenech
