The 1685 coronation anthem I was glad

Abstract

THE coronation of James II and his queen, Mary of Modena, on 23 April 1685 in Westminster Abbey was accompanied by some of the most extravagant music ever written for such an occasion (illus.1). This study focuses on the introit—the anthem I was glad—which was sung as the king and queen entered the abbey. By comparing the available sources, it is possible to offer a reconstruction of the original form of the anthem: it would seem that it had a more complex structure than hitherto assumed. Also, the authorship of the anthem will be discussed anew. This coronation is outstandingly well documented. The order of service was prepared by William Sancroft, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and his final draft is preserved at St John's College, Cambridge.1 In addition, there is a lavishly printed account of the coronation, published by Francis Sandford, Lancaster Herald of Arms, two years after the event.2 Sandford gives a very detailed report of the service; he describes the beginning of the ceremony as follows: By the time the KING and QUEEN being entred the Church, were received by the Dean and Prebendaries, who, with the Choir of Westminster, proceeding a little before THEIR MAJESTIES, Sung the full * Anthem following [text of ‘I was glad’].3