description Walton: Crown Imperial Overview
Crown Imperial is a ceremonial orchestral march by the English composer William Walton, completed in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI. It was first performed at the coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey on May 12, 1937. Written in the tradition of Edward Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance Marches, the work became one of Walton's most frequently performed orchestral pieces. It has been used at subsequent major British state occasions, including the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and royal weddings.
help Walton: Crown Imperial FAQ
What occasion was Walton's Crown Imperial written for?
Crown Imperial was written in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI. Walton composed it as a coronation march in the tradition of Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance marches.
Was Crown Imperial used at Queen Elizabeth II's coronation or funeral?
Yes, Crown Imperial has been performed at several major British state occasions beyond 1937. It was played at the coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953 and at other ceremonial events in the decades since.
Is Crown Imperial similar to Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance marches?
Yes, Walton explicitly modeled Crown Imperial on Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance marches. Both are ceremonial marches featuring broad, nobilmente melodies and grand orchestration.
Did Walton write any other ceremonial marches besides Crown Imperial?
Walton also composed Orb and Sceptre in 1953 for Elizabeth II's coronation. Together with Crown Imperial, the two marches form his best-known contributions to the British ceremonial repertoire.
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Similar to Walton: Crown Imperial
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