Though many musicians take pride in composing coronation anthems, it is clear that Sir Arthur Hastings, an emerging talent among the younger generation on the British music scene, does not share this view. And from the perspective of the Coronation Committee, the esteemed members did not consider him a suitable choice either.
Of course, this is not because they doubt Arthur's capabilities; after all, this gentleman is the author of "Paganini Etudes: The Clock," "Turandot," and the "Wellington March." These three works alone constitute a résumé that no music critic could dismiss lightly.
While "The Clock" may not be considered a profound work, with its simple melody and lack of deep emotion, its design for performance technique borders on brutal. After Paganini elevated violin technique to near-mythical heights, Arthur Hastings answered the question of whether the piano could continue to create miracles with "The Clock."
