BACKIt’s a long-long weekend, it’s the Jubilee Weekend – it’s a WildKat party!
The Jubilee Weekend is upon us, London is decked out in flags and all things festive and we feel compelled to share our favourite regal and patriotic music with you. That bunting would just look so out of place if it weren’t for some royal tunes to go with it.
So here are some of our favourite (some seriously superb, some simply fun) musical choices for the royal weekend! Wave those flags, get the beverages and the food out and let’s sing and sway along!
Handel – Music for the Royal Fireworks
Composer under contract of George II for the fireworks in London’s Green Park on 27 April 1749 Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks celebrated the end of the War of the Austrian Succession. When published, Handel wished to present the work as an overture but the Crown had it given the title “Music for the Royal Fireworks” as propaganda in favour of an otherwise unpopular Treaty and monarch.
Thomas Arne’s – Rule Britannia!
Rule Britannia was was originally composed for Alfred, a masque about Alfred the Great, and first performed at the country home of Frederick, Prince of Wales (the eldest son of George II and father of the future George III, as well as the great-grandfather of Queen Victoria), on 1 August 1740, to commemorate the accession of George II and the third birthday of the Princess Augusta.
We know several people who are huge fans of this diva-off:
Despite being composed for King George VI’s brother, Edward VIII, Crown Imperial was first performed at the coronation of King George VI in 1937.
Widor – Toccata from Symphony No 5
Probably one of Widor’s best known works, the Toccata from Symphony No. 5 for Organ has been performed at the weddings of many members of the Royal Family, including Princess Anne, Prince Edward and Prince William.
To round off our playlist, we’re recommending Haydn’s String Quartet Op. 76 No. 3, which was composed while he was employed at the court of Prince Nicolaus Esterházy II and boasts the nickname ‘Emperor’ because Haydn quotes the melody from ‘God Save Emperor Francis’.