Anthems, marches and songs
Anthems, marches and songs
A Royal Charity Concert of 18th Century Neapolitan Sacred Music
Some thirty years ago, a group of prominent knights of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order decided to record and pass down to posterity some of the most memorable and moving pieces of royal and military music ever written during the existence of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Through this celebration of anthems and marches, the knights wished first and foremost to bring back to life the pomp and majesty of their ancient kingdom and offer the listener a glimpse into the achievements of some of the most important Court musicians.
The knights dedicated their original work to the honor and memory of the long and distinguished line of Grand Masters of the Sacred Military Order, and to the Sovereigns and Heads of the Royal House of Bourbon of the Two Sicilies. As history has already amply documented, their dynasty has been one of the most eminent and respected in European history. A dynasty that has demonstrated its dignity, integrity and honor throughout the pages of a history of triumphs as well as adversity.
One of the most moving musical pieces (available below) is “Inno de Re” (the King’s Anthem), which was composed in 1787 by Giovanni Paisiello, a renowned musician and Master of Chamber and Chapel. Commissioned by His Majesty Ferdinand IV, King of Naples and Sicily (1751-1825), this musical piece, more than all others, symbolizes the sentiment of the nation, its strength and power, and thus justifies its adoption as the National Anthem of the Kingdom.
For further information on Paisiello’s “Inno del RE,” click here.
Royal and Military Anthems and Marches
Following the terrorist atrocities perpetrated against the United States of America on September 11, 2001, the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George once again responded to its ancient vocations of charity and humanitarianism and organized a Royal Charity Concert of 18th Century Neapolitan Sacred Music.
From a single evening, it was possible to raise funds amounting to tens of thousands of dollars, subsequently donated to Saint Vincent’s Hospital—the medical care center closest to the World Trade Center. His Eminence the Cardinal Archbishop of Washington, Prior of the Delegation of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George for the United States of America, stated: “It is a sign of solidarity on the part of our international Order with the people of the City of New York, who have suffered so much.”
This unique event was held in October 2001 in the historic setting of the Cathedral of Monaco. Among the hundreds of guests who attended the event were His Serene Highness Prince Rainier III, Sovereign Prince of the Principality of Monaco, His Royal Highness the Duke of Castro, Grand Master of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order and Head of the Royal House of Bourbon of the Two Sicilies. The event was also graced by the presence of His Eminence Mario Francesco Cardinal Pompedda, Grand Prior of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order and Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura of Vatican City.
This moving tribute by the San Pietro a Majella Conservatory of Music in Naples excellently captured the moment when the world stood still. Its various pieces of sacred music and songs are truly inspiring to the spirit and thought-provoking.
