44 is a work composed by Edward Elgar for soprano, alto, tenor and bass soloists, chorus and orchestra, with words by A. C. Benson.
The first performance attended by the King and Queen was almost a year later in London on 25 June 1903, at a concert organised by Lady Maud Warrender.
Queen Victoria died in January 1901 and preparations for the coronation of her son King Edward VII were soon under way.
Elgar began writing in February 1902 and by the end of March he had finished the vocal score, which at that time consisted of parts I, III, IV, V and VI.
It was the last item in a gala concert, in the presence of the King and Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales, on 25 June 1903, at the Royal Albert Hall.
The chorus was the 400-strong choir of the Leeds Choral Union, with the augmented Queen's Hall Orchestra conducted by Sir Henry Wood, and the Band of the Coldstream Guards.
The publishers, Boosey & Co., realising its popularity, asked Elgar to revise Land of hope and glory so it could be produced as a separate song, and this was in fact sung by Clara Butt with great success at a "Coronation Concert" a week before the Ode was first performed in London.
This was desired by Elgar: 'Edward made the tonic key E-flat: he wanted to add a military band to the orchestra and organ.
The band plays on occasions in sections I, III, and VI, only, including fanfares which are also cued in the orchestra parts where necessary.
Through our thankful state Let the cries of hate Die in joy away; Cease ye sounds of strife!
Oh kind and wise, the humblest heart That beats in all your realms today Knows well that it can claim its part In all you hope, in all you pray.
See that thy navies speed, to the sound of the battle-song; Then, when the winds are up, and the shuddering bulwarks reel, Smite, the mountainous wave, and scatter the flying foam, Big with the battle-thunder that echoeth load, loud and long;
See that thy squadrons haste, when loos'd are the hounds of hell; Then shall the eye flash fire, and the valourous heart grow light, Under the drifting smoke, and the scream of the flying shell, When the hillside hisses with death, and never a foe in sight.
Soprano Magic web of woven hues, Tender shadow, linked line, Sweet mysterious avenues Opening out to Light Divine!
and Chorus unaccompanied Peace, gentle Peace, who, smiling through thy tears, Returnest, when the sounds of war are dumb ... Replenishing the bruised and broken earth, And lifting motherly her shattered form, When comest thou, Our brethren, long for thee Thou dost restore the darken'd light of home, Give back the father to his children's arms Thou driest tenderly the mourner's tears, And all thy face is lit with holy light Our earth is fain for thee!
Truth and Right and Freedom, each a holy gem, Stars of solemn brightness, weave thy diadem.
Chorus 'Tho thy way be darken'd, still in splendour drest, As the star that trembles o'er the liquid West.
Hearts in hope uplifted, loyal lips that sing; Strong in Faith and Freedom, we have crowned our King!