1 minute read
All Princely Graces
for SATB choir & strings
Words by William Shakespeare
(1564-1616)
All Princely Graces was comissioned by the Bands of the Household Division and the Royal Choral Society to celebrate HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The original version for choir and miltary band was premiered as part of the annual Military Musical Spectacular on Horse Guards Parade, St James’s Park, London on the 5th July 2022.
The subsequent version for choir and strings was premiered by the Norwich Cathedral Choir and Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra in Norwich Cathedral on 5th October 2023.
Duration: circa 4 minutes
All princely graces
That mold up such a mighty piece as this is, With all the virtues that attend the good, Shall still be doubled on her. Truth shall nurse her; Holy and heavenly thoughts still counsel her. She shall be loved and feared. Her own shall bless her; Her foes shake like a field of beaten corn, And hang their heads with sorrow. Good grows with her.
Words: William Shakespeare (1564-1616) from Henry VIII
Composer’s Note
This beautiful text, taken from the final scene of Shakespeare’s Henry VIII, is delivered by Archbishop Cranmer to the King following the birth of the future Queen Elizabeth I. As Prince of Wales, it was chosen by His Majesty King Charles III to be read on the occasion of the 90th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and seemed the perfect starting point for a new commission to mark her Platinum Jubilee.
The text’s pace, mood, and meter were crafted with the grandeur of Horse Guards Parade in mind, with a slow march style influencing the stately tempo, dignified harmonies, and rhythms. From the outset, I knew that the music would also suit string orchestra hence the alternative version of the same work.
For the version with strings, the tempo should be as marked but, with military band, a metronome marking of 66 beats per minute is more suitable for a slow march.
