I Was Glad (Psalm 122) – Sir Hubert Parry (1848-1918)
Hubert Parry composed I Was Glad in 1902 for the coronation of Edward VII at Westminster Abbey. It was later revised for subsequent coronations, including that of George V in 1911, and has since become one of the most iconic ceremonial works in the English choral repertoire. Written for choir, organ, brass and orchestra (though often performed with organ alone) the anthem sets verses from Psalm 122: “I was glad when they said unto me, We will go into the house of the Lord”.
I was glad, glad when they said unto me, We will go into the house of the Lord.
Our feet shall stand in thy gates, O Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is builded as a city, that is in unity in itself.
O pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they shall prosper that love thee.
Peace be within thy walls, and plenteousness within thy palaces.
From the opening bars, Parry establishes a tone of grandeur and celebration. The anthem begins with a bold and exultant choral proclamation, built on broad melodic lines and full harmonic textures. The music reflects both the ceremonial context of its first performance and Parry’s characteristic style—noble, expansive and rooted in the great tradition of English sacred music.
One of the work’s most distinctive features occurs shortly after the opening. After the words “in unity in itself” the music pauses to allow the traditional Vivat acclamations, “Vivat Rex” or “Vivat Regina” to be sung by scholars of Westminster School as the monarch processes through the Abbey. This historic practice, dating back to the coronation of James II in 1685, connects Parry’s anthem to centuries of royal ceremony. As this section is specifically for coronations, it will not be sung in tonight’s performance.
The work continues with passages of contrasting character, Parry alternating between jubilant, full-voiced choral writing and more reflective sections, such as the prayerful “O pray for the peace of Jerusalem”. Here the music becomes more flowing and lyrical, offering a moment of calm within the otherwise celebratory atmosphere of the work.
The anthem builds once more toward a majestic conclusion, returning to the jubilant spirit of the opening with resounding chords and triumphant rhythms. Parry’s rich harmonies and expansive choral textures create a powerful sense of culmination, perfectly suited to the grandeur of a coronation ceremony.
I Was Glad remains one of the most beloved works in the English choral tradition, both a magnificent ceremonial anthem and a testament to Parry’s gift for combining musical splendour with spiritual dignity.
