Music for a Medieval Coronation: Edward the Confessor at Winchester - Medievalists.net

"Music and England's royal coronations are inextricable. Since the mid-eighteenth century, the coronations of the nation's monarchs have been elevated by the works of prominent composers, most notably the opulent coronation anthem, "Zadok the Priest." This piece, with its regal instrumentation that consists of orchestra-including timpani and brass-and choir, was one of four anthems written by the prolific and celebrated eighteenth-century composer George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) for King George II's coronation on October 11, 1727."

"The music played at England's coronations has been well documented for the past three centuries; however, coronation music of many centuries prior, particularly of the Middle Ages, is more elusive due to fewer extant written accounts. Nonetheless, the information that does survive provides us with some insight into the music that accompanied kings and queens as they proceeded to the throne."

Music has been central to English royal coronations, evolving from medieval chant to orchestral anthems like Handel's "Zadok the Priest." Coronation music is well documented since the mid-eighteenth century, while earlier medieval sources remain scarce. Surviving evidence offers insight into ceremonial music that accompanied processions and enthronements. Edward the Confessor was born at Islip c.1003–1005 to Æthelred the Unready and Emma of Normandy and is remembered for his piety as one of the last Anglo-Saxon kings. Edward's 1043 coronation ceremony is thought to have been honoured by repertory from the Winchester Troper, an important medieval music manuscript. Music accompanied both procession and liturgical coronation rites.

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