Chapel Royal

The Chapels Royal (English [ tʃæpɘlz ɹɔɪɘl ] " royal chapels " ) are two chapels at St. James 's Palace in London: The actual Chapel Royal and the Queen 's Chapel. At the Chapel Royal is also the royal choir, which occurs at services in the Chapels Royal and royal ceremonies.

Originally the term referred only part of the court of the British monarchy. The Chapel Royal included clergy, musicians and singers, who were responsible for the conduct of religious ceremonies at the court of the monarch. Over the centuries the term Chapel Royal was then used for the buildings that were used by the respective rulers as a chapel or prayer room. The Dean of the Chapel Royal is appointed by the Queen personally. Since 1995 it is the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres.

History

In the late 13th century, the establishment of the Chapel Royal began to emerge as a location-based institution, while before, like the entire rest of the royal household, always traveled with the monarch and held worship services each on its whereabouts. In the 17th century, the Chapel had its own building in the Palace of Whitehall, which burned down in 1698; Since 1702 it is located in St. James 's Palace.

The Chapel Royal had a significant chorus. This reached its greatest prosperity during the reign of Elizabeth I, as William Byrd and Thomas Tallis jointly exercised the office of the royal organist. The Master of the Children decreed to 1684 on the law, particularly talented singer boy zwangszuverpflichten from the choirs of the country for the service in the Royal Chapel. These singers were boys to 1626 also as an actor in theater productions at court and in the 18th century. Than sopranos in performances of Handel's oratorios and other works in use Under Charles II the choir was often reinforced by strings of the royal orchestra, beyond the Chapel Royal has except singers and organists and composers, lutenist and viol player has in their ranks.

The Chapel Royal in existence today, but it has lost much of its importance and influence over previous centuries. Currently, Andrew Gant organist and choir director of the Chapel Royal. The choir currently consists of six professional singers and ten choristers.

German Chapel

Around 1780 - the time of George III. - Made the young Johann Heinrich Ramberg an altarpiece for the German Chapel at St. James 's Palace.

Famous musicians

Among the most famous musicians who were active at the Chapel Royal, include John Sheppard, Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, Orlando Gibbons and Henry Purcell. Georg Friedrich Handel was also active as a composer for the Chapel Royal, he bore the title of Composer of Musick of His Majesty's Chappel Royal, but could not become a regular member as German.