The Royal Standard

Written in the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Malcolm Archer reflects the mood of national celebration in his new march for organ The Royal Standard. The title alludes to the famous emblem of royalty that flies proudly over Buckingham Palace when the sovereign is in residence. Befitting its subject, this stirring music is in the high ceremonial style of Elgar and Walton, as colourful as the royal banner in blue, red and gold, but with a modern flavour too in its syncopated main theme. Director of Chapel Music at Winchester College, Malcolm Archer needs no introduction as a church musician, conductor, composer and recitalist. The piece is of intermediate standard, and is suitable for a variety of instruments with two manuals and pedals.