Congratulations to Prince Harry and Princess Meghan on the birth of their son! We’ve selected a few pieces of music written in honor of the arrival of royal princes and princesses.
Paul Mealor – Sleep On
One of the most recent compositions, Mealor dedicated the lullaby to William & Kate’s first child, Prince George, in 2013. The piece features the soprano Hayley Westenra.
Malcolm Williamson – Songs for a Royal Baby in honor of the birth of Prince Henry of Wales
As Master of the Queen’s Music, the Australian composer wrote this piece in honor of Her Majesty’s grandson – who today, celebrates the birth of his son – back in 1985. The work remains one of the most exceptional royal pieces in his career.
Michael Tippett – Suite in D for the Birthday of Prince Charles
A high honor! A year after the celebrated marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Tippett wrote this piece in for their first child and son Charles, Prince of Wales in 1948.
Edward Elgar – Nursery Suite
As a Master of the King’s Music, Elgar had a longstanding relationship with the British Royal Family. He composed his Nursery Suite in honor of the birth of Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth’s sister, in 1930.
George Frederic Handel – Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne
Known to us today due to the popular film, Queen Anne was a lover of Baroque music and commissioned Handel to write this celebratory piece for her birthday in 1713. (Sadly, she passed away a year later.) The work also political in nature: the end of the War of the Spanish Succession, and the creation of the United Kingdom several years earlier.
Click below to listen to a selection of royally-themed tunes, available on Spotify.
Beyond the Stage 