The Sun.
London, England, 1838-06-29 00:00:00

THE CORONATION.

[FROt4 OUR MUSICAL coatalsroNDENT.]
On our arrival within the choir of the Abbey, at about
eight o'clock, its walls presented a striking contrast to the
scene of bustle and anxiety pasing in every part of the
crowded metropolis, through which we had taken our course.
A very small portion, comparatively, of the immense throng
which afterwards crowded the venerable fabric, had yet arrived.-
The long narrow galleries extending throughout the
building, over the gothic archways, at this period con-
tained a larger proportion of company (the ladies most
elegantly attired) than the other galleries. The two large
galleries erected for the Members of the House of Commons,
et the East-end of the choir were entirely empty. The side
galleries, as well as the narrow ones, before alluded t 3,
already contained a goodly show of ladies, whose splendid
attire contrasted well with the showy military uniforms and
Court dresses of the gentlemen. The area of the choir, and
the scats on each side had scarcely a single tenant.
The scene, however, was
gradually changed from its sombre
and listless hue to one of unrivalled magnificence and spirit.
The Peeresses in their splendid robes and elegantly-becoming
ermine capes, tlicse of highest rank with their long trains
sweeping the costly earpetting of the Abbey floor,
began to arrive in rapid succession. Gorgeous military
and naval uniforms, both English and foregn, inter.
mingled with the still more sumptuous, but of a more anti-
Tilted model, of the heralds, pages, and other officials in
attendance, became now frequent on the scene ; and in pro-
portion as the splendour of the whole increased, the bustle
and motion that ensued set ell attempts at detail, from the
vosition in Which we were placed, at utter defiance.
At about half past nine o'clock the Members of the House
of Commons began to enter the lower of the spacious galleries
provided for their reception at the east end of the choir.

. ---
They arrived in rapid ssucceseroomeand- - appeared- to- us -to
take their seats without any regard to order or preceder.ce.
The Speaker, however, occupied a teat prepared for him
in the centre of the first row, and was early in his
place. By ten o'clock the lower gallery was completely filled.
The leading feature of this large assemblage of gentlemen ap-
. peered to us to be the scarlet uniforms in whieh a very prepon-
derating number of them were clothed, and which seemed to
us to be strangely out of character in the representative body
of a nation constituted as Great Britain is. The uniforms worn
by them, or at least a large portion of them, were probably
those of Deputy Lieutenants of Counties, an office borne by
• numerous country gentlemen of wealth and station. The
upper gallery began to fill when there was no longer conve-
nient room in the lower one, but was never crowded throughout
the proceedings.
It was at the summit of this last mentioned gallery that a
stage covered with rich hangings, terminating in gold lace,
was erected for the band of trumpets, whose duty it was to
I take a leading part in the superb ceremonial about to be en-
tered upon. They were, we understand, fifteen in number,
and were most gorgeously arrayed in the magnificent scarlet
and gold dresses of the Household. Above them was placed
their kettle-drums. The trumpets were led, as was stated in
our account of the rehearsal on Tuesday, by Mr. Harper.
\Ve are not aware, by the bye, whether this gentleman is the
appointed master of the band of the Household Trumpets.
\Ve rather think he is not, but his appearance in such a station
at the present ceremonial, is a tacit admission that the appoint-
ment ought to be his, he being the only individual in the
whole range of the musical profession competent to fill it.
Nothing could be imagined more magnificently grand than
the appearance of these two galleries, filled, as they were,
with gentlemen. When, however, it is considered that this
body comprises an absorbing proportion of the talent, so much
of the public spirit, and so much of the wealth of the nation,
mere external appearance sinks into utter insignificance.
At about ten o'clock, at which period the choir may be said
to have been well filled, the deep booming of the artillery
stationed in St. James's Park, the reports from which
actually shook the windows of the Abbey, &Le:mimed
that her Majesty had left the Palace. The effect
of the first gun was perfectly electric upon the immense throng
now assembled within the sacred walls. A solemn silence of
a few seconds, was succeeded by the buzzing of human voices
for several minutes. On the termination of the firing of the
guns, Sir George Smart, the conductor; seunded the organ,
in a series of sustained chords, for the purpose of affording
to the baud an opportunity for tuning their instruments. At
this period the orchestra was filled with the musicians in
their splendid scarlet and gold uniforms, flanked (to use
a military phrase) by the choristers attired in white sur-
plices, and fronted by the talented assemblage of ladies
and gentlemen composing the semi-chorus. Amongst the
shigers we observed several gentlemen wearing cloaks of
scarlet cloth, a badge of their rank, we presume, as doctors
of music. The uniforms of Sir George Smart, Mr. N. Cra-
mer, the leader, and Mr. Knyvett, were each distinguished
from the rest by the addition of a splendid pair of gold epau-
lettes. The orchestra itself was a handsome erection. The
desks were upon solid ornamental pillars, and a gilded angel
holding a book was on the back of each desk. A temporary
organ, in front of which were placed the splendid Tower
drums, played by Mr. Chipp, terminated the whole. The ap-
pearance of the orchestra and performers was most superb and
imposing.
The morning had been gloomy and threatened rain, but soon
after ten a highly cheering effect was produced by a gleam
of sunshine entering the choir through one of tl.e south-
eastern windows, conveying to the company assembled the
gratifying intelligence that fine weather accompanied the pro-
gress of her Majesty to the Abbey, and that the congregated
thousands of her subjects would be enabled to enjoy the spMn-
did sight in comparative comfort. The brilliancy of the sun
increased, and, diffusing a flood of light around, gave addi-
tional splendour to the gorgeous scene.
All now was bustle on the floor of the choir. The Peeresses
and other distinguished personages who before-wandered about
in seine little confusion, were marshalled. to their si-
tuations by attendant heralds and pages. The entrance
of the various Foreign Ambassadors, in their superb na-
tional costumes, accompanied by their respective suites
gave great interest at this period to the splendid scene. Much
curiosity was excited at the appearance of each individual, and
an extraordinarary anxiety evinced amongst the unlearned, to
know who the respective parties were. \Ve observed one
gentleman repeatedly levelling a most formidable looking ter
lescope, from one of the narrow galleries. Marshal Soult's
appearance with his suite, created quite " a sensation."
At about twenty minutes before twelve o'clock, the firing of
the guns a second time announced the arrival of her Majesty
and the procession at the Abbey, and shortly after a loud
clapping of hands was heard to proceed from that part of the
Abbey in the vicinity of the grand western entrance. This
continued for a very considerable time. At a quarter to twelve
o'clock the procession began to enter the Choir. As soon as
her Majesty had stepped within, and came in sight of the bril-
liant assemblage, Sir George Smart gave the signal, and ti:e
powerful orchestra, consisting, together with the chores,
of about four hundred performers, led off the symphony
of Attwood's magnificent Coronation Anthem. Nothing
could be conceived more appropriate. to the occasion
than this fine composition. The introduction, at the
commencement of the national melody, delicately as it
has been done by the composer, is peculiarly effective. The
anthem was played and sung con amore, and added materially
to the solemn feeling engendered on so important an occasion.
Still we have heard it better played. There was an apparent
want of firmness in parts, which we attributed to the per-
formers having their attention distracted by the splendid
scene before them. The voices, too, sounded weak, in com-
parison with the instrumental force.
Immediately after the Queen had passed down the choir to
her station near the altar, the King's scholars of 'Westminster
School, who were posted in a part of the choir assigned to
them, shouted simultaneously a number of times (we believe
nine) " Vivat Victoria Regina." This ceremony had better
have been omitted. 'lke boys certainly had practised their
parts well, and kept good time. But their voices sounded
harsh and grating. It was in effect a mechanical effort, and
the effect was not that of warm and hearty cordiality. The
whole affair seemed to us to border upon the ludicrous.
The general " acclamation" told far better. The voices
blended well together, and there was a warmth and eager-
ness in it that seemed to come from the heart.
When the acclamations had been repeated by the Peels
and Commons on th e " Recognition" of her Majesty,
Sir George Smart waved a small flag to the trumpets ir. the
east gallery—he having received a similar signal from, we
believe, one of the Heralds stationed at the south-west transept.
They answered the signal of Sir George by instantly com-
mencing " God save the Queen. 7 The national melody was
much better played by the trumpets than at the rehearsal, and
had a most bold and martial effect. We could readily distin-
guish the masterly and powerful style of Mr. Harper, the
leader ; some of his coadjutors, however, played a little out of
tune, and did not seem to have been selected judiciously. The
service then proceeded.
The " Sanctus," the composition of Sir George Smart
(composer to her Majesty's Chapels Royal) was remarkably
well played and sung. In the opening symphony, the most
delicious and characteristic effect was produced by the trum-
pets, horns, and trombones playing sustained chords in a sub-
dued tone. Sir George had displayed much judgment and
great professional skill and knowledge of the capabilities and
effects of those instruments in the mode of their introduction,
and the exquisite style of the performance attained everything the
composer could have anticipated. In the responses to the com-
mandments the voices of the choristers did not sound to us suffi-
ciently full and rich in combination. The chaunt itself was
simple and effective, but we should have been better pleased
to have heard it sung with more point and certainty.
The next feature of the ceremonial, as far as we could dis-
tinguish from our position, from which the minor details were
scarcely discernible, was the "sermon." Of this we could
not hear one word.
The grand chaunt " Come Holy Ghost" was accompanied by
the organ only. The organ (a temporary one) did not sound
to us as one of sufficient power for such an occasion. The
chaunt was sung, us chaunts too frequently are, in a hurried
and rather careless manner.
Handel's Coronation anthem " Zadok, the Priest," was
sung with great spirit, and had a most splendid effect. The
organ, however, did not combine well with the band. It was
rather flat. The splendid Tower drums had a magnificent
effect in this chorus, and the full power of their deep and
mellow tone was brought out by Mr. Chipp.
The imposing ceremonial proceeded, but, as we have
already; stated, the details, except in an occasional striking
feature, were scarcely observable to us from the height and
distance of our station, and must be gathered from accounts
that appear or have appeared in other parts of our paper.
Such a feature was, however, now about to take place, and its su-
perb effect was far beyond what the mostfervid imagination could
have anticipated. We allude to the placing the Crown upon
the head of her Majesty. At the very instant, as if by magic,
that the Crown came in contact with the brow of our gracious
Sovereign, the first gun of the royal salute from the heavy ar-
tillery in the park was heard to reverberate through the vaulted
roof of the sacred edifice. Before its deep stash crashing
sound had ceased to re-echo through the building, the signal
was waved to the trumpeters in their lofty station, and their mar-
tial strains rang through fretted roof and aisle, accompanied by
the sonorous beat of the doubling drum. A deafening acclamation
of " Long live Queen Victoria" broke spontaneously from her
gratified subjects of every rank and of either sex. Waving of
handkerchiefs, and clapping of hands succeeded. These en.
thusiastic demonstrations continued many minutes, and were
several times repeated, each time with additional fervour and
increased zeal. To describe such a scene was far beyond the
power of the most vigorous and practised pen. The general
effect was most superb, and can never be effaced from the
memory of those who were fortunate enough to -be witnesses
to it.

As soon as some cessation bad occurred to the loyal
demonstrations of her Majesty's subjects assembled within the
Abbey, the orchestra commenced the anthem " The Queen
shall rejoice." Coming in as it did in so singularly appro-
priate a situation, its effect was indeed magnificent, Here
again we had to notice the powerful effect of the superb Tower
drums, which was even beyond that of the former anthem.
Boyce's " Te Deum" is a composition of considerable in-
terest, and we should probably have admired it mnoh on other
occasions. It was well sung, but not particularly effective now.
The Queen at about this period was attended from the chair
in which she wes crowned- to the one plar!ed in an elevated
position, in vyLich she received the hsr.-...sge of the Peers and
other distinguished personages. While this was geiug on,
the Grand Almoner distributed the coins by handfuls to all.
parts of the choir. A good deal of cenf;:sion, and indeed, if
we may on EP solemn an occasion make use of a colloquial
phrase, a considerable portion of fun was caused by this dis-
tribution. Gentlemen and ladies, of the highest rank and
station, seemed to us to contend 7 as evrerly for the vrize as

ethaar-ean,est of_ herMi!jestys subjects-could have done. The
youthful pages, however,-seefned to us to grellesr
advantages in the scramble that over end over again toralirlace.
WC frequently saw-these-young-gentlemen on their knees,
collecting the pieces .that ha•l slipped- through the fingers of
their elder but no less eage:r competitors. We observed ore
lady, drank doubtless, eagerly snatch a gentleman's hat, and
extend it anxiously forward, in her endeavours to secure some-
portion of the silvery sliewer falling profusely :around her.
Shortly dter this Knyvett's anthem " This is the (Jaye"
conducted by the composer himself, was sung and played. Wa.
liked it much better than et the rehearsal. The instrumeme
t Ilion is msnagcd with consHerable skill, and the whole had
a spirited effect. The last mevement is decidedly the best,
and has the most features of novelty.
When the " Homage" had concluded, another flourish of
trumpets rang from the eminence so often alluded to, and the
acclamations were repealed.
The Queen then proceeded with her attendants to the
altar, and the Communion service was gone through. When
this bad terminated, Handel's magnificent " Hallelujah
Chorus" was played and sung in as fine a style as it had ever
been before heard. The effect of the female voices was re.
markably fine.
The " Blessing" took place shortly afzer this, and her gra-
cious Majesty, with her attendants, in procession left the choir.
Handel's occasional overture was played at this period. It
vas performed far better than at the rehearsal. We had no-
thing to complain of now in regard to the trumpets, Mr. Harper
having been sent Er from the pl!eiy, by Sir Georee Snaart,
to take his station in the orchestra during the Hallelejeli
Chorus, and the Occasional. The other leadieg inatruteentai
parts were also most decidedly played, and more effectively sus-
tained than on the occasion referred to.
The company then began to leave the choir.
On our quitting the Abbey, at a quarter before four o'clock,
we found that the Queen still rem-tined within the building,
occupied, we presume, in changing her robes, anti in taking
the tefreAments rendered necessary by the long and fatiguing
ceremonial through which she had passed with so much spirit
and efficiency. Her Majesty's carriage, drawn by the eieht
cream-coloured horse', was standing in Dean's_yard, anti the
Royal escort of Life Guards, with a large number of the
Royal servants were drawn up on the Green of Dean's Yard,
used by the Westminster Scholars as their play ground.
Thus concluded the unrivalled display of loyalty and mag-
nificence in the Abbey. • The particulars of the return of her
Majesty and the Procession to Buckingham Palace will be
collected from ether sources.

HENLEY ON THAMES-THURSDAY.

(FROM A COP:RESPONDENT.
Some places have celebrated the Coronation with illumina-
tions and sports, others with fire-works and much unsatisfac-
tory expense; but the Coronation here was celebrated to the
credit of the town in as memorable, lasting, joyous and ac-
ceptable a manner as could be produced, and in whatever has
born done the testa of the giver has been dispensed in the
manner in which it was given, and must have afforded a
p!easure long to be remembered by a class of persons whose
opportunities of enjoyment occur hut seldom. About two
o'clock 2,000 persons sat down to a dinner of hot roast beef
and plum-pudding. The number of tables was fifty-one, C#C-
Cumiag the whole space of the market-place. On each table
was placed a diffarent fig, to enable every person by his
ticket (painted the same) to find his place readily. On the
Mayor, Mr. Crouch, taking his seat at the head of the centre
table in a very tasty chair of pink and white, the following
grace was chamited
" Lord thy bounties now bestowed,
Let us share with grateful joy,
Feasting on thy gifts below,
Let thy praise our thoughts employ.
Lord on all thy blessings pour,
Let us all thy name adore."
After grace, the operation of knife and fork commenced,
and we never recollect seeing so many happy faces emigre-
gated together, as were visible on this occasion. At the con-
elusion the following grace was chaunted
Lord of Hosts, whose bounties flowing,
Ever praise thy liberal hand,
On this day thy love bestowing,
Fill with joy our happy land.
" On our festal shod thy blessing,
Lord, on this auspicious day,
Our loyalty and love possessing,
Long may Queen Victoria sway.
" Glorious Lord, our thoughts inspiring,
Loud to thee our voices raise,
Let our hearts with ardour firing,
Bless thy name, and hymn thy praise."
The whole company then standing, sang " God save the
Queen," of which two thousand copies were printed, and dis-
tributed at the different tables. A beautiful prayer, compiled
from the Coronation service, was also printed, and distributed
at every house in the town the day previous, the gift of a
lady. At the top of the Mayor's table, in the centre, was a
large pink banner, with white silk trimmings, and the words
Victoria, England's Queen and England'sglory," supported
on each side by pink and white flags. On the obelisk at the
bottom of the tables waved a large blue and white banner,
and on the Church and Town-hall Union Jacks and strea.m-
ers ; indeed, nearly the a-hole of the-houses, from the Church
to the top of the market-place, were decorated with flags and.
banners, bearing various devices ; the word Victoria, in green
fancy letters on a pink ground, extending the whole length of
the Post-office, Mai very conspicuous. About four o'clock the
band played front the dinner tables to the river, where a large
congregation of persons were assembled to witness the va-
rious aquatic amusements for which a sepatnite subscription
had been collected by the young men of the town. Much
mirth and hilarity was occasioned in viewing the contending
parties in the different races, and the music playing about on
the river it, a boat, kept the company till a late hour : at
six o'clock, about six hundred childran of the diffarent schools
( Church and Chapel), proceeded to Phyllis Court, where
they were regaled with cake and wine, and witnessed the
ascent of a large Montgolfier balloon, sixty yards in circum-
ference, which ascended very slowly, and filially descended in
Remenimm Park. This department was under the superin-
tendence of the ladies, of the Town, who collected their own
subscriptions, and managed their task with pleas.nre to them-
selves, and gratification of their juvenile visitnints. At night
a few illuminated their houses, and those
ono, from principle,
truly,
refrainedsay, f
Atteront
joy so d was uing we
niv rsal
ere riot mo/osted—so th
at,use may