This was a monumental day in British history.
A day for Britain to display its regal brilliance on the world stage. And that it did.
Whilst the event divided public opinion, costing hundreds of millions of pounds amidst a cost-of-living crisis, it was undeniably an impressive display of national pomp and pageantry.
But what can we take from the use of music and sound on this historic day? DLMDD Co-Founder Max De Lucia spoke to LBC News about some of the key talking points.
Max De Lucia on LBC News talking music at the King's Coronation
“ Music really is the centrepiece of today - it would be a pretty dull and bland event without it ”
Music was the heartbeat of this Coronation – a handcrafted soundtrack to the (rather long) story that unfolded before the 20 million viewers who tuned in to watch.
From choirs to marching bands, organs to orchestras, it is a strong a powerful reminder of music’s power to drive emotion, colour, vibrance and theatre into the world around us.
“ 12 new commissions – create, innovate, evolve ”
Coronations are steeped in history with centuries of tradition to uphold.
But music and sound brought us a view to the future – of modernity and forward thinking – through 12 new commissions by British composers.
Amongst traditional classics like 'Zadok the Priest', we were treated to new works by composers including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Patrick Doyle and Debbie Wiseman.
It was a strong artistic statement of the need to create, innovate and evolve.
Music has the power to realise and deliver this message and emotion in a way like no other.
“Make it hummable”
Perhaps the biggest musical talking point was Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Coronation Anthem, ‘Make a Joyful Noise’.
The King’s brief was that he wanted it to be ‘hummable’ which symbolises music’s great power – to get into our heads and into our lives in unforgettable ways.
Lloyd Webber says he wants the anthem to be sung in churches across the country not just for the Coronation but for many years to come.
The true measure of success for ‘Make a Joyful Noise’ is whether it is learned, performed, enjoyed by musicians and audiences long into the future.
“ Anthems symbolise the greatest north-star for any brand sound brief - to create something that stands the test of time ”
Finally, our very own National Anthem ‘God Save The King’ symbolises the remarkable qualities of sound.
It is the 2nd oldest anthem in the world – beaten only by ‘Wilhelmus’, the anthem of the Netherlands.
It symbolises the power to unite, to connect and to rouse people and communities across the country no matter their backgrounds.
What a spectacle it is on match day at Wembley or Twickenham to hear crowds of 80,000 sing at the tops of their voices – no matter how much beer is involved.
Anthems symbolise the greatest north-star for any brand sound brief. To create something that stands the test of time and transcends people, cultures and generations.
