Coronation Ode

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Coronation Ode, Op 44 is a work composed by Sir Edward Elgar for soprano, contralto, tenor and bass soloists, chorus and orchestra, with words by A. C. Benson.

It was written for the Coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1902, and dedicated "by Special Permission, to His Most Gracious Majesty King Edward VII". But the Coronation was postponed due to the King being ill, so the first performance was not until 2 October 1902 at the Sheffield Festival, by the Sheffield Choir, soloists Agnes Nicholls, Muriel Foster, John Coates and David Ffrangcon Davies, with Elgar conducting.

The first London performance was at Covent Garden on 26 October 1902.

There are six parts:

I - Introduction: "Crown the King", for soloists and chorus

II - (i) "The Queen", for chorus; (ii) "Daughter of ancient Kings", for chorus

III - "Britain, ask of thyself", for bass soloist and men's chorus

IV - (i) "Hark upon the hallowed air" for soprano and tenor soloists, followed by (ii) "Only let the heart be pure", for soprano, contralto, tenor and bass soloists

V - "Peace, gentle peace", for soprano, contralto, tenor and bass soloists and chorus unaccompanied

VI - Finale: "Land of hope and glory", contralto soloist, with chorus

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronation_Ode