The Shadow of Great Britain

Arthur’s heart, which had just settled, was suddenly on edge again.

As for Mr. Disraeli, who was happy for his friend, he couldn’t help but stand up and clink glasses with Arthur, saying, ”Sounds not bad.”

Arthur quickly asked, ”Who are the other two on the final list? Did you find out?”

Blackwell responded eagerly, ”It’s the Royal Music Director, Mr. Franz Kramer, and the composer of the Royal Chapel, Mr. William Knevit.”

Upon hearing this, Arthur’s anxious heart finally relaxed again.

The status of the Royal Music Director, Franz Kramer, goes without saying. Creating music for the British Royal Family and organizing concerts are his inherent duties, and among his responsibilities, the foremost and most essential is naturally composing the coronation anthem.

Therefore, the Coronation Committee’s choice of Franz Kramer at this time is undoubtedly the most stable option.

As for William Knevit, this composer, who has served as conductor of both the Birmingham Music Festival and the York Music Festival, is undoubtedly one of the hottest leading figures in the contemporary British music scene, and he is also the composer of George IV’s coronation anthem, ”The King Shall Rejoice.” He is more than familiar with composing coronation anthems.

Compared to the seniority of these two musicians, what is Arthur Hastings?

Despite having just taught Liszt a lesson at the Buckingham Palace concert last year, barely qualifying as a new trend figure.

However, on such formal occasions as a coronation ceremony, a fashionable instrument like the piano is still difficult to enter the grand hall.

It should be understood that those sitting in the Coronation Committee are all old antiques from the House of Lords, and what they value most is tradition.

And when it comes to tradition, it has to be classical music.

Just as Arthur thought he had dodged a bullet, unexpectedly, Blackwell spoke again.

”Although everyone thinks your hopes are slim...” Blackwell cleared his throat, and his tone suddenly became solemn: ”Things haven’t been finalized yet.”

Arthur’s heart skipped a beat, but he still maintained his calm appearance, ”Is there still a variable?”

”Yes, and quite a significant one,” Blackwell nodded, ”The Coronation Committee already held an emergency consultation this afternoon, and the members are divided between Mr. Kramer and Mr. Knevit.”

Disraeli raised an eyebrow, ”I can guess the reason.”

”Exactly.” Blackwell chimed in, ”Those supporting Mr. Kramer believe that this is an internal affair of the Royal Family and should naturally be handled by the Royal Music Director. On the other hand, those supporting Mr. Knevit insist that George IV’s precedent should not be lightly discarded, and the coronation anthem should be entrusted to a composer already validated by ceremony.”

”Both sides are talking about tradition.”

”Yes, Mr. Disraeli,” Blackwell said with a broad smile, ”and they’re speaking with great conviction.”

Disraeli asked, ”Isn’t anyone backing Sir Arthur?”

Blackwell replied with a smile, ”To be honest, at that time, there wasn’t.”

Disraeli had already guessed, ”So they’ve decided to pass the hot potato upwards?”

Blackwell nodded, ”The Coronation Committee has reached a consensus that, since they cannot reach an agreement between expertise and tradition, the final decision should be determined by the Prime Minister.”

Disraeli turned to look at Arthur, ”And the Prime Minister thinks the choice should be given to Her Majesty the Queen?”