This is the last in our current series of articles about coronation anthems.
Sometimes described as a “Marmite” composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber is famous as a composer of songs for musical theatre, beginning with “Joseph” in 1968, and still going strong with “Cinderella” in 2021. Not an obvious choice to compose a new choral anthem for the coronation of King Charles III! Enjoyed by many who heard its premiere in the coronation service, it was largely panned by the choral community as bland, twee and insubstantial. However, the composition brief was tight: no more than three minutes (it’s 2:50), grand enough for a coronation, accessible for church and community choirs up and down the UK, and adaptable for other concerts and services afterwards. I think it met that brief.
Lloyd Webber spoke with the King early in the planning stage of the composition, and they discussed the writings of Solomon. Lloyd Webber suggested adapting the text of psalm 98:
Intro Make a joyful noise
Unto the Lord
For He hath done marvellous things
And His holy arm
Hath gotten Him the victory
Verse 1 He hath remembered His mercy
And His truth toward the house of Israel
All the ends of the earth have seen
The salvation of our God
Chorus O, make a joyful noise
Unto the Lord, all the earth
Make a loud noise
Rejoice and sing His praise
Verse 2 Let the sea roar
The world, and they that dwell therein
Let the floods clap their hands
Let the hills be joyful together
Chorus Make a joyful noise (Make a joyful noise)
Unto the Lord, all the earth
Make a joyful noise (Make a joyful noise)
Rejoice and sing His praise
You can listen to “Make Joyful Noise” here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmFve1wrfO4 and Lord Lloyd Webber talks about the composition process here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayEjVrgC9co
Carol P
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 