Score and parts available for hire from Hire Library

Based on one of His Majesty's favourite hymns, this orchestral piece is three composers' take on the well-loved melody, a traditional Irish tune, woven into a single work - a unique collaboration suggested by the King himself. Nigel Hess begins the work with an opening horn call inspired by the Abbey's acoustic which introduces a stirring rendition for full orchestra. This gently subsides into a slow rhapsody by Roderick Williams based on the iconic shapes of the Slane melody - a few moments of repose and reflection. (Devotees of musical ciphers will find His Majesty’s name embedded within this central section.) A sparkling fanfare launches the final section by Shirley J Thompson with undulating triplets supporting variations of the melody that are intricately woven throughout the orchestral texture, leading to a triumphant and celebratory ending.