Based on Psalm 34:8, this anthem was composed for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. It was also sung at her funeral last year. The text is:
O taste and see how gracious the Lord is:
Blest is the man that trusteth in Him.
This motet is considered short and simple, and I first made acquaintance with it about ten years ago in a choir rehearsal at St Margaret’s church. It begins with a haunting solo soprano singing the full text, which is then repeated in canon by all the sopranos, followed by the altos, tenors and basses in turn. It’s 180 seconds of utter gorgeousness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heiiATCrwVQ
This music wasn’t used at King Charles’ coronation earlier this year, possibly because it is so closely associated with his late mother, but also maybe because there simply wasn’t time. King Charles’ coronation lasted just over an hour, whereas Queen Elizabeth’s went on for over three hours. This motet was sung, appropriately, as the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh received communion. Like our eucharist services each week, this was the final act of the coronation service, just prior to the closing prayers and recessional music. They probably skipped giving any kind of Notices!
Carol P
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 