UK Memorial

[fusilier23]

I read somewhere that on or about November 1 they are going to have a memorial service in the uK for the victims fo 7/7's cowardly homicide bombings. Obviously if Hayley were asked to sing I think she should, but if she did, what-all should she sing? I'm guessing "Tonight We Light A Candle" would be the best, but others might have different ideas.

[Richard]

Hello Steve!

I agree that "Tonight We'll Light A Candle", sung to the tune of "Pokarekare Ana" is an obvious choice, because Hayley sang it with great feeling at the 2003 Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. That was also the first time I saw her on TV, although I'd already seen and met her at the Fairfield Hall in Croydon.

Another possibility would be for Hayley to sing "Dido's Lament", which is going to be on the UK version of "Odyssey". I'm fairly certain the melody is played during the service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday.

Best Wishes from London,

Richard

[Dave]

Dido's Lament is one of the saddest (literally) pieces of music ever written. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it! It will be absolutely fascinating to see how Hayley handles it on the album.

It's good remembrance music, the only thing against it being the suicide aspect (albeit a lover's suicide). I would be very surprised if they let Hayley perform this for the first time in public at such an important occasion (even with modified lyrics). Mind you, I love Dido's final words: "When I am laid in earth, May my wrongs create No trouble in thy breast; Remember me, but ah! forget my fate."

I can't wait to hear it on the album... and I'm almost in tears already!

[fusilier23]

Certainly that melody is in fact played on Remembrance Sunday during the "Act of Homage" part of the ceremony. But I agree, the suicide aspect (as Dido, abandoned by Aeneas, throws herself onto a funeral pyre) would probably not work, given the suicidal aspect of some of the bombers.

"We'll Meet Again" would also be good, but Katherine's got dibs on that one. "We Shall Walk Through the Valley" is also a possibility. I would also like to hear Hayley hear something a little more defiant like "There'll Always be an England."

This is kinda all academic, because as far as I know she hasn't been asked to sing, but know what else I'd like to see? Hayley moving among the mourners, for I think she has enough of a kind heart to want to do this, touching arms, shaking hands, and expressing her condolences. Hayley, by virtue not only of her music, but by virtue of her good nature, has a great power to make people feel good, even if only for a little while. It would be great to see her use it here.

[HWI]

Well, if this were to come to pass, I can think of a few (well, three actually) that would be suitable.

Although I am not religious by any stretch of the imagination, "The 23rd Psalm" would, I think, be highly appropriate.

The second one I can think of is one that probably few people know. It was on the second album from The Cottars, and is called "The Parting Glass". The first two verses are:

Of all the money ere I had, I spent it in good company,
And all the harm I've ever done, alas was done to none but me
and all I've done for want of wit, to memory now I can't recall
so fill me to the parting glass, goodnight and joy be with you all.

Of all the comrades ere I had, they're sorry for my going away,
and all the sweethearts ere I had , they wish me one more day to stay,
but since it falls unto my lot that I should go and you should not,
I'll gently rise and softly call, goodnight and joy be with you all.

The second comes from the first album by The Cottars, and is called "Here's to Song":

The candle flickers towards it's last, our time together's ended.
The evening spent so quickly past, no richer way to spend it.
Before we head our separate ways, I'd like in truthfulness to say.
You've made this day a special day, with songs and kindness blended.

Here's to song, here's to time, here's to both with friends of mine.
Here's to friends who raise their voices high.
Kings have riches widely lain,
Lords have land, but then again,
we have friends and song no wealth can buy.

We each a different road must go,
to mountain, sea and city.
The hour has come to say adieu,
but ah, the more's the pity.
But first unite in hand and heart,
and sing a chorus 'ere we part.
For every end leads to a start,
we need not break so sadly.

Here's to song, here's to time, here's to both with friends of mine.
Here's to friends who raise their voices high.
Kings have riches widely lain,
Lords have land, but then again,
we have friends and song no wealth can buy.

And til our paths in future cross,
may blessings kindly greet you.
Until that time I must, alas,
only in memory meet you.

Often I will sit and stare,
and think upon this moment rare.
The company beyond compare,
for now, farewell, and thank you.

Here's to song, here's to time, here's to both with friends of mine.
Here's to friends who raise their voices high.
Kings have riches widely lain,
Lords have land, but then again,
we have friends and song no wealth can buy.

We have friends and song no wealth can buy.

I think that says enough.

Keith.

[fusilier23]

Actually I did know "The Parting Glass" as I learned it from the soundtrack of the movie "Waking Ned Devine." The other song sounds nice, at least going by the words. I think that they fit best in a civil setting, of course. As someone who IS religious, though not evangelical, I can say that the 23rd Psalm is definitely appropriate in a religious or semi-religious setting as I think this is likely to be. Also appropriate would be anything from the spiritual medleys she has done in the past, though most likely the Ave Maria pieces would use different words. "I'll Walk with God" would also sound great, though for the moment that piece BELONGS to Holly Holyoake. I am somewhat reluctant to say she should do any music specifically with a peace theme, as this is, if anything, about the peace of the dead and in the hearts of those left behind, nothing political.

[Joe]

Hi Keith,

Here's To Song was written by Allister MacGillivray who I had the good fortune of meeting at The Cottars' concert (other places as well). I could've asked him to arrange it if we knew if Hayley was going to sing on Remembrance Sunday.

Joe

[Richard]

Hello everybody, I've had another idea.

Hayley could sing "Laudate Dominum" from Mozart's Requiem, which is going to be on the UK version of "Odyssey". It has already been played on Classic FM, although I haven't heard it yet. Hayley's soothing, comforting voice would make everybody feel better.

Best Wishes from London,

Richard

[fusilier23]

Ummm, Richard, not to nitpick, but Mozart's setting of the Requiem (left alas, unfinished at his all-too-early death) does not have any setting of the Laudate Dominum therein, nor really much solo work for soprano save some quartet stuff and brief solos in the first and final movements. The Laudate Dominum is part of a series of prayers in the Catholic tradition called the Vespers, usually sung in the evening. The full series consists of Psalm 110 (Dixit Dominus), Psalm 111 (Confitebor), Psalm 112 (Beatus Vir), Psalm 113 (Laudate Pueri), Psalm 117 (Laudate Dominum) and the Magnificat, each closed with what most traditions call a doxology (Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, etc.)

Mozart himself wrote two complete settings, The Sunday Vespers, K.321, and the Confessor's Solemn Vespers, K.339. Most likely the Laudate Dominum you refer to is from the second setting, which is a slow, sweet melody in F Major sung over strings and woodwinds with the chorus coming in at the end. The Laudate from the first setting, in A Major, is a fast and very florid soprano aria with string and organ accompaniment, which, with kindness and respect, I must say I do not believe Hayley is ready for yet.

That said, however, I do believe she must do a wonderful job with the setting I think she is singing, and it would be a wonderful addition to any memorial service.

If I could pick the other performers, I'd say I'd like to see Lesley Garrett, Katherine Jenkins, Russell Watson, and either Bryn Terfel or Sir Thomas Allen all perform there. Hayley knows some of these folks, and I think she'd work well with all, save perhaps the talented but snobbish Sir Thomas. Even if he were there, though, I hope they'd all put whatever artistic differences aside for the sake of the audience.

[Richard]

Thank you for correcting me Steven.

The "Laudate Dominum" I'm thinking of is from Mozart's Vespers. I've heard it sung by Barbara Bonney and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, and I'm hoping this is the version Hayley has recorded, because it is gentle and would really suit her voice.

Bye for now,

Richard

[fusilier23]

It is in fact that version, and I think she does it very well.

[Richard]

Hello Steven!

Hayley has indeed recorded the "Laudate Dominum" that I meant in the first place. I agree that Hayley sings it very well, and it is definitely one of my favourite tracks on "Odyssey". i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Best Wishes from London,

Richard

[fusilier23]

Yep, and I think I will need to order up a copy of that album, since, alas, it won't be on the US version.