By A-R Editions

The coronation service for King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6 May 2023 was filled with music, spanning styles from baroque to gospel to Byzantine chant, and with lyrics in at least five languages. We at A-R Editions are proud to report that this magnificently varied program included one piece from our own catalog: the opening chorus of the anthem “The King Shall Rejoice,” composed by William Boyce (1711–79) and edited by John R. Van Nice in our volume Two Anthems for the Georgian Court, Part 2 (B008, 1970), was performed as part of a concert interlude toward the end of the service.

This chorus, whose text comes from verses 1 and 3 of Psalm 21, is the first movement of a multipart anthem composed in at least two versions for state events in 1761: the wedding of King George III and Queen Charlotte on 8 September and their coronation on 22 September (it was then reworked for an unknown occasion on 22 April 1766). It is scored for oboes, bassoons, trumpets, timpani, strings, organ, and five-part chorus (SSATB). In the performance at the coronation service, the Coronation Orchestra, made up of members of Great Britain’s best ensembles, was directed by Antonio Pappano, and the combined choirs—which included not only Westminster Abbey’s own choir but those of other churches and schools as well as eight members of the renowned Monteverdi Choir—were led by Andrew Nethsingha, organist and master of choristers at Westminster Abbey.

Here is a video clip of “The King Shall Rejoice,” based on the BBC's video footage:

A-R’s instrumental parts can be clearly seen in the shots of the orchestra playing—a true moment in the spotlight for our top-notch music publications!

“The King Shall Rejoice” is part of the official coronation album, released by Decca Records mere hours after the service and available for order on their website. For more details about the performers and the position of the piece within the service, see the full order of service here.