Voices of the World
​for Organ Solo

Voices of the World was composed for the 2023 Coronation of King Charles III in Westminster Abbey, London. It was commissioned as a tribute to the Commonwealth of Nations, and the piece quotes traditional melodies from a number of different Commonwealth countries. These melodies are generally celebratory, lively and joyful, as well as having rhythmic vitality. They are nearly all derived from popular or folk sources, and represent a tiny snapshot of the huge variety of global musical traditions. The piece is also a celebration of cultural diversity within the UK.

A main jazzy theme is heard at the outset and recurs throughout the piece between the various traditional melodies. The mood is predominantly upbeat and dance-like. Registration can be determined by the player, using a colourful variety of stops to match the different characters of the music. All the melodies are grouped together by their continents: Africa (Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana, South Africa), Asia (India, Pakistan), North America (Canada, Jamaica), Australasia (Australia), Europe (UK). 

The melodies are as follows:

Nigeria – Bobo waro fero Satodeh (Everybody loves Saturday night)
Zambia – Bonse Aba
Ghana – Senwa Dedende
South Africa – Shosholoza
India – Kesariyo Rang Tane Lagyo
Pakistan – Ho Jamalo
Canada – I's the B'y
Jamaica – Halle Halle Hallelujah
Australia – Waltzing Matilda
UK – Westminster Chimes

Voices of the World was first performed by Matthew Jorysz in Westminster Abbey, London on 6th May 2023. 

Available to purchase from Aria Editions here
 
Duration: 5'40 mins

Listen to the work on Spotify here

Iain also wrote an article for the Guardian newspaper about his work for the Coronation as composer and arranger here.

A performance by the composer is below, along with the score: