There is no
better tonic for low spirits and loneliness than a stiff dose of rousing or
serene music and poetry and I set out here a programme which will, I trust,
move and inspire my deserving readers. My selection is almost all of very
familiar pieces to warm and comfort us.
(1) This Sceptred Isle by William Shakespeare from Richard
II, John of Gaunt’s speech.
Best to set
the scene, brimming with patriotic pride from this famous speech, epitomising
all those factors which make us love our country and our people.
(2) Welcome, welcome Glorious Morn! by Henry Purcell
This
Welcome Ode, composed for Queen Mary II’s Birthday in 1691, demonstrates the
versatility of Henry Purcell, arguably England’s finest composer. The first 7
minutes or so served as an alarm clock from my tape-deck when working in the
City of London in the 1970’s! The Kings
Singers perform in the Banqueting House, Whitehall, with its stunning Rubens
ceiling celebrating The Apotheosis of James I. Anyway, it provides a
great start for the day.
(3) The Bonnie Lass of Ballochmyle by Kenneth McKellar
This 1781
Scottish air written by Robert Burns is less well-known than others but it has
a lovely tune suited to the discreetly passionate nature of my fellow Scots!
Ballochmyle is an area near the village of Catrine in East Ayrshire. Burns
farmed nearby and Robert Adam designed a house there for the Alexander family
in the 1760s.
(4) For unto us a Child is born by G.F.Handel from Messiah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS3vpAWW2Zc
Handel,
although as German as Sauerkraut, is certainly an honorary Englishman as he did
his finest work here. Messiah, composed in 1741, is a national
institution, beloved by many generations. I had sons in 1970,1971 and 1978 and
every time, on returning from the maternity ward, I played this wonderful chorus.
What joy!
(5) Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, recited
by Dominick Cumberbatch
Coleridge’s
exotic vision and majestic diction cannot fail to impress. His genius, more or
less contemporary with Wordsworth, Byron, Keats and Shelley, reminds us of the astonishing
richness of English literature, which gives and gives. All five poets had very
distinctive flavours but their best work reached imaginative corners
unattainable by us laymen, and expressed thoughts and moods well beyond our routine
eloquence.
(6) I’ve got a Little List by Gilbert and Sullivan sung by
Thomas Allen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlOb0XMxt84
As some
light relief, I propose this famous “patter-song” from The Mikado
listing various undesirables who merit the attention of the Lord High
Executioner. Often up-dated, I am sure a 2020 version would have plenty to say
about Covidiots, President Trump and the lost souls of the Liberal Democratic
persuasion!
(7) Come down, O Love Divine. music by Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Tune; Down Ampney, words by Bianco da Siena, translated by Richard Littledale
I was
tempted to present Lark Ascending as RVW’s contribution but this lovely
hymn tune is unmissable and the verse beginning “Let holy charity, thine
outward vestment be” never fails to move even my sceptical being. Truly the
essence of England, evoking so many generous reflections.
(8) Keep right on to the End of the Road, by Sir Harry Lauder
A popular
song of comfort to many, it became a revered Scottish institution. Written by
Harry Lauder soon after his son was killed on the Somme in 1916, it was always
sung as the finale of his theatrical act. He often played at our then
family-owned theatre in Aberdeen in the 1930s and my father remembered the
strong emotion this song created with copious tears and faintings from the many
war widows, before they too sang along, praising hope and fortitude.
(9) Nimrod from Enigma Variations by Sir Edward
Elgar
Elgar had a
wonderful ear for the rueful, wry British character, best heard in his
matchless, elegiac Cello Concerto. His Nimrod is the essence of
remembrance and tribute, stirring our gratitude, pride and love for those who
have gone before us.
(10) Jerusalem, words by William Blake, music by Sir
Hubert Parry, The Last Night of the Proms 2012.
And The National Anthem, God Save
the Queen
We end on a glorious note with the visionary
words of Blake framed by Parry’s stirring Anthem. Look at how enthusiastic the
audience is, inside and outside the Albert Hall! Phrases like “England’s green
and pleasant land” “chariots of fire” even “dark satanic mills” resound with
and inspire all Britons.
At this time
of trouble, Her Majesty, steadfast, loyal and ever dutiful, even at 94, unites
the nation and uplifts our spirits. Long may she reign!
SMD
23.04.20
Text
Copyright © Sidney Donald 2020
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