Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Golden Jubilee in 2002, having acceded to the throne in 1952. The week of celebration culminated in a national service of thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral.
I'm a US citizen, but my great-great-grandfather Wood was from Manchester, born in the year of Trafalgar, and emigrated to the US in 1829. I am extraordinarily proud of my English (and Scots, Irish, and Welsh) ancestry. And yes, this is absolutely splendid, gorgeous, wonderful - and so is St. Paul's. And I have great admiration for Her Majesty, Elizabeth II.
I'm glad to see this in its intended setting. Our church choir is doing this piece tomorrow night as part of a concert (cutting out the Vivat part, of course, since it's unlikely the queen will be at an American Methodist church).
Parry's integration of the Vivats, which by tradition, and for centuries, is the right of the boys of the Westminster school to sing during the coronation, is sheer genius. And in case if anyone has forgotten, this is the anthem that was played (minus the Vivat's of course) for Kate Middleton's entry into Westminster Abbey two years ago (the famous scene where Pippa's posterior gained international fame). Prince Charles reportedly recommended that this piece by played.
this song always move me to tears.. the words.. the way it is sung.. the vivats part was sang at HM the queen's coronation/enthronement ..#wishiwasbritish
