7 SONGS OF INSPIRATION AND JOY
We have gone through so much in the last 4
years that we can hardly believe we are on the edge of Victory. On 31 December
we finally break our onerous chains to the EU, with or without an agreement;
obnoxious Donald Trump has been voted out; Dom Cummings, Tory Svengali, is
history; life-saving Covid vaccines are at last being administered; Boris can
turn to a fresh page with renewed vigour. Let us exercise our tonsils, allow ourselves
a broad smile, and sing out in celebration these 7 songs of inspiration and
joy!
(1) Jerusalem
Music by Sir Hubert Parry, words by William
Blake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOFHVXE6yWs&pbjreload=101&ab_channel=Mandetriens
Yes, it is an English patriotic flag-waver but
it is none the worse for that - inspirational and heart-warming for all who
love their country.
(2) The Strife is o’er, the Battle done
Music by Giovanni Palestrina, translated from a
Latin text by Francis Pott.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy_lW63fYZc&ab_channel=PolkStreetUnitedMethodistChurch
Commonly sung at Easter, it celebrates the miracle
of the Resurrection and the promise of eventual Salvation.
(3) The Battle Hymn of the Republic
Music by William Steffe, Lyrics by Julia Ward
Howe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSiVjlknuSw&ab_channel=TheTabernacleChoiratTempleSquare
With rather convoluted origins, this grand
anthem is certainly rousing and celebrates the great spirit and high
aspirations of all Americans.
(4) Finlandia
Music by Jean Sibelius
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE0RbPsC9uE&ab_channel=BBCMusic
You do not have to be Finnish to appreciate
Sibelius’ great music and Finland is not the only country to emerge liberated
from the domination of others.
(5) Scots wha hae
Music Traditional Scots air “Hey tuttie tatie”.
Words by Robert Burns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKT7qxk9-pw
The tune was allegedly played at the Battle of
Bannockburn (1314) but the lyrics were composed by Burns in 1790 and purport to
mirror a speech made to his army by national hero Robert the Bruce. The song
personifies our native Scots defiance and pride in our separate identity.
Unsurprisingly the song is particularly dear to
Nicola Sturgeon and her SNP but I personally wish to reinforce our links with
England – though I cheer any Scots triumphs on the football and rugby fields!
(6) Men of Harlech
Music Traditional, Lyrics John Oxenford
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbBGWR4VL58&ab_channel=Anthems%26HonorsMusic
This sublime march energises our Welsh friends
and the clip is sung by a Welsh Male Voice Choir, that unique institution of
this most musical of nations.
(7) Worthy is the Lamb and the Amen
Music by George Frederick Handel (from
Messiah), text by Charles Jennens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCcGqMHndxo
The final passages of Messiah are among
the most inspiring in all music. First performed in Dublin in
1742, Beethoven reckoned Handel to be the best composer before his time. Chorus
after chorus and arias of extraordinary power tumble out of this amazing
oratorio testifying to the supreme genius of Handel. It is not possible to fail
to be moved or inspired by this music.
I hope all my readers feel uplifted and reborn
and can sing with joy as we emerge from our various crises.
SMD
09.12.20
Text copyright © Sidney Donald
2020
No comments:
Post a Comment