Rex lætabitur in virtute tua

Rex lætabitur in virtute tua

English: The King shall rejoice
The original publication of the modern setting of the anthem by Jeremiah Clarke in 1742.
National anthem of Great Nortend
Lyrics	Biblical
Music	Jeremiah Clarke, 1738
Adopted	1723 (words) 1789 (tune)

Rex lætabitur in virtute tua, commonly shortened to Rex lætabitur and usually translated into English as "The King shall rejoice", is the national anthem of Great Nortend. The words are taken from the first eight verses of Psalm 21, fit to the meter of the tune. The most commonly used tune was composed by the famous Nortan composer, Jeremiah Clarke in 1738.

History

The origins of Rex lætabitur as a national or royal anthem date back to the promulgation of the new revised Book of Rites of the Church of Nortend in 1713 by Henry V, following the publication of the official authorised St Edmund's Bible in 1704. Rex lætabitur, was provided as the antiphon for the processional of the to-be-crowned King down the nave during the coronation rite, along with the rest of the text of Psalm 21. A shortened form was also later provided in the Book of Chaunts in 1730 as an antiphon for Accession Day, which is celebrated annually on the anniversary of the Coronation.

In the Book of Rites and the Book of Chaunts, a plain chaunt melody was prescribed for the singing of the antiphon. In common with much of the liturgy of the Church of Nortend, 'figured' chaunts were almost immediately composed for Rex lætabitur, adapting the plain chaunt melody with harmonies.

The use of the anthem as a popular anthem rather than merely a liturgical antiphon arose during the 18th and 19th centuries. It was frequently acclaimed at royal processions and parades. Jeremiah Clarke, a prolific sacred and secular composer in Great Nortend during the 18th century, set the text of the anthem in scene of one of his operatic plays, sung by the crowds as they see their King. It quickly became known as the Trumpet Tune, and was published soon after as "A new melody for the Royal Anthem" in 1742. The setting gradually gained popularity, especially after it was played by the State Trumpeters upon the presentation of Catherine I to her people after the Coronation Mass in 1789. It was adopted as the musical royal salute in the 19th century, and began to be played at civic, government and institutional functions, gaining the character of a de facto national anthem.

Use today

"Rex lætabitur" is nowadays the de facto national anthem of Great Nortend, in addition to the royal anthem for the Sovereign. It is used in a wide variety of contexts, both to inculcate patriotism and loyalty to King and country, as well as to honour God and His chosen Sovereign. "Rex lætabitur" is sung at schools, parades and ceremonies such as the raising and lowering of the flag. It is used at international sporting events, and played at the beginning of films. It is also played at the start and end of wireless radio transmissions.

Certain traditions have developed over its use, in line with other countries' anthems, such as standing during its playing. Men are expected to remove their hats as well, and women to keep their heads covered. Certain officials may be expected to salute a royal symbol such as the flag or coat of arms during the playing of the anthem. Usually, the assembled crowd will sing the anthem.

In liturgical use, the antiphon is chaunted to either the plain chaunt or a figured chaunt setting. Certain elements from the Clarke setting of the anthem have been incorporated into the most well-known figured chaunt setting by Braken, especially the repeating motif of three trumpet blasts.

Music

Text

The text of the anthem alludes to the coronation of King David.

The KING shall, O Lord, joy in thy strength, How
Greatly shall he joy in thy salvation.
Thou hast given him his heart’s desire,
And hast withholden not the will of his lips.

For thou didst prevent him with thy blessings,
Thou hast on him set a crown of pure gold,
He asked life of thee and thou him gavest,
A length of days for ever and ever.

His glory is great in thy salvation,
Dignity and honour hast thou sent him,
Everlasting blessings thou hast on him bestowed, Thou
Hast made him glad with the joy of thy countenance.

Because the King trusteth in the Lord, and
In the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved.
All thine enemies shall feel thy hand, and thy right hand,
Shall find out them that hate thee, that hate thee.