Coronation March

Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864) was a German opera composer of Jewish origins, who has been described as perhaps the most successful stage composer of the nineteenth century. From 1831 until his death, he remained a dominating figure in the world of opera. His contemporary Hector Berlioz summed up his public career claiming that he 'has not only the luck of being talented, but the talent to be lucky'. His works made him the most frequently performed composer at the world's leading opera houses in the nineteenth century.

Giacomo Meyerbeer composed his opera Le Prophète in 1849. In this opera a coronation is preceded by a splendid march. Although the opera itself is rarely performed, the Coronation March has gained a place in the concert repertoire.

Franco Cesarini’s arrangement for concert band of the Coronation March stands out for its skillful instrumentation which underlines the powerful sounds of this classic concert march.