When the Coronation of England’s King Charles III takes place next month, the music for the ceremony will have an element that honors a much earlier era in the monarchy’s history and traditions. The main organ currently used at Westminster Abbey was installed for the 1937 Coronation of George VI, King Charles’ grandfather. However, Westminster Abbey’s first organ was installed in 1304, its successor was installed in the 16th century, and then another was installed in 1727 for the coronation of King George II. (George Frideric Handel composed some of his coronation music!) As an avid fan of history, art and music, King Charles has commissioned a reproduction of that 18th century organ to be built for the coronation festivities. Andrew Nethsingha is Director of Music and the principal conductor of the Choir at Westminster Abbey, and will have the honor of giving the inaugural performance of this extraordinary historical reproduction, playing music by some of his baroque era predecessors. The instrument’s design will be faithful to baroque era specifications. For example, pipe organs require a source of air for the bellows. Before the advent of electricity, that job was held by young boys known as “Bellows Men.” King Charles has even requested his eldest grandson, 9 year old Prince George, to take a ceremonial shift as one of the Bellows Men at the organ’s inaugural concert. (although the Prince’s parents, William and Catherine, are said to be resistant to the idea.) Today’s Beautiful Music features the current (20th century) organ at Westminster Abbey in some of the music to be featured at the May 2023 coronation: George Frideric Handel’s coronation anthem ZADOK THE PRIEST.