Sony
's 2016 collection
For Queen and County: Music for a Royal Celebration
is a double-CD of songs, marches, and anthems long associated with British patriotism and royalty. The selections evoke the nation's love of monarchy and pageantry, so
Rule, Britannia
and
God Save the Queen
are de rigueur, as are
Hubert Parry
's
Jerusalem
, two of
Edward Elgar
Pomp and Circumstance Marches
,
William Walton
Crown Imperial
, and
Jeremiah Clarke
Trumpet Voluntary
(also known by its original title, the
Prince of Denmark's March
). Strewn among these obvious royal standards are songs of a soft and reverent character, such as the hymns
Abide with Me
Amazing Grace
Danny Boy
Greensleeves
, and various other pieces that are moving, rather than martial. The performers include
Russell Watson
Carl Davis
and the
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Jonathan Antoine
, the
Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge
Nicholas Cleobury
Britten Sinfonia
Paul Daniel
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Nicholas McGegan
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra
, and many more. ~ Blair Sanderson