The National Anthem (arranged by Sir David Willcocks)

This glorious arrangement of “God Save The Queen” arranged by Sir David Willcocks is rarely performed, in part, because of the musical forces required to perform it.

The second verse — which always moves me whenever I hear it — is my favourite with harmonic changes to the chordal structure, the trebles/boys singing a descant and with the State Trumpeters playing along with timpani.  And of course the Cathedral’s pipe organ.  At this performance, other than the performers, it is the first time The Queen or anyone else has heard this arrangement since it was composed for this occasion (the wedding of Charles and Diana in St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in London). It’s the best arrangement of The National Anthem I’ve heard.  Too bad it’s not performed more often.  I haven’t heard it performed live since.  I think it was performed one year for the BBC Proms, but I missed that.  Usually, I believe, it’s the Britten arrangement that’s sung, which is nothing like this.

For those who don’t know:  The Sovereign (The Queen or King) is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England (the temporal Head of the Church in other words).  The Archbishop of Canterbury is the spiritual head.

Some people always ask:  Why isn’t The Queen singing here (in the video below)?  Well she doesn’t sing to herself for “God to Save Our Gracious Queen.”  That would be a bit much, wouldn’t it?  But no, the King or Queen does not sing The National Anthem.

It should also be pointed out that the United States of North America stole the tune from “God Save The Queen” for their tacky “America” hymn, that  “My country ’tis of Thee” nonsense.  (roll eyes)  Apparently they couldn’t come up with something original.  So not only does the US enjoy stealing other country’s natural resources and often going to war over them, but they also stole the tune/melody from the British National Anthem for one of their nationalistic hymns, and it sucks.