(9) Music of the Empire

Music, especially soul-stirring patriotic music was a cherished aspect of colonial rule.

Whether on the parade squares, music halls, theatres, playing fields, schools and government buildings all over the empire, the firmly sounded notes and the cadence of the drum beat were comforting sounds for all who were far from home.

The heritage of colonial music lives on today, firmly embedded in the strong traditions of military bands all over the world.

The Singapore Armed Forces Band is pictured above, preparing to play the dignified ceremonial music to accompany the state funeral of Singapore's first Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, in 2015.

THE BRITISH ANTHEM - "GOD SAVE THE QUEEN"

In use since the mid-eighteenth century, both the tune and the words have been the official anthem of the United Kingdom, as well as all over her empire. The following piece is set to the backdrop of one of Britain's many former colonies.

In post-colonial Hong Kong, the British anthem remains a rallying point for many who cast their eyes warily northwards.

LAND OF HOPE OF GLORY

One of the most recognisable martial tunes even today, this is a patriotic and imperial song, with music by Edward Elgar and lyrics by A.C. Benson, written in 1902. The version here is the annual gush of a singalong at The Last Night of the Proms (2009), in the Royal Albert Hall.

Watch and listen to the whole of Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1. The popular refrain "Land of Hope and Glory" will be heard in it.

"NIMROD"

There are numerous beautiful renditions of this haunting piece of music composed by Elgar. I have selected the one played on Remembrance Sunday in England in 2009.

In addition, we cannot pass on without listening to Hans Zimmer's skilful and tender musical allusion to it in the 2017 movie Dunkirk, as well as excerpt here performed by the London Symphonic Orchestra, with the voice of Winston Churchill played over in the background.

RULE BRITANNIA

Yet another universally known patriotic song, originally from the poem of the same name - "Rule Britannia" - by James Thomson, and set to music by Thomas Arne in 1740. The lyrics came to symbolise British naval mastery in the 19th century. The song was made even more popular by the operas of Gilbert and Sullivan, particularly HMS Pinafore.

Listen to the music in all its majestic pomp and grandeur, as performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Watch the humorous presentation here, once again, at the Last Night of the Proms.

"JERUSALEM"

More properly known as "And did those feet in ancient times," a poem by William Blake in 1808. It was set to music by Sir Hubert Parry in 1916, and provided untold many with a glimmer of hope for better days that would come after the tragic conflagration of World War One. Today, it remains an informal anthem of the British and regularly sung whenever the English cricket team plays test matches.

The song was sung after England regained the Ashes in 2005 after a most magnificent test series.

ABIDE WITH ME

One the most loved and revered of hymns to be sung in the empire and beyond. Composed as a poem by the Scotsman Henry Francis Lyte in 1847, it is most commonly sung to the tune of "Eventide." Its tender words and deep contemplative tune renders it most suitable for occasions of mourning as well as Remembrance ceremonies.

Here is a stunning rendering of the hymn by the Pipes and Drums Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

Listen to the hymn sung by an all-male voices choir.

The evening hymn "Abide with me" is here played together with "The Last Post."

I VOW TO THEE MY COUNTRY

The words to this hymn were penned in 1921 by Sir Cecil Spring Rice and set to music by Gustav Holst.

My personal favourite setting for this piece of music is this recording of the state funeral of Sir Winston Churchill in 1965.

Hear the hymn sung at the Festival of Remembrance in 2011.

THE DAY THOU GAVEST LORD HAST ENDED

Composed in 1870 by John Ellerton, this hymn is sung to the tune known as "St Clement." The poignant piece was selected by Queen Victoria to be sung at her Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Equally touching was its being played exactly a hundred years later in 1997 at the Handover ceremony of Hong Kong.

Listen to the hymn sung congregationally.

HIGHLAND CATHEDRAL

This is taking liberties, because the music for this was only composed in 1982 by the German musicians Ulrich Roever and Michael Korb. However, its link to empire was sealed when it was played at the lowering of the Union Jack at Government House on the last day of British rule in Hong Kong. The music was one of Governor Chris Patten's favourites.

This rendition of Highland Cathedral never fails to stir the soul and bring a tear to the eye.