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Why
are they heading for Whitchurch in 2009?
Whitchurch
Shropshire is the birthplace of Sir Edward German, a composer
indelibly linked with this country.
In his lifetime
he was best known as the legitimate successor of Sir
Arthur Sullivan in the field of English operetta. His
music is characterised by lightness and grace.
In creating his orchestral and instrumental
music, operettas and songs he drew upon the treasure
house of English drama, poetry and folklore.
Shakespeare and Kipling were his great inspiration.
Songs like The Yeomen of England, O Peaceful England,
The English Rose and God Save Elizabeth made his Merrie
England a light opera standard.
Many of his songs
were ballads including the rousing Glorious Devon. His
solo song All Friends Around the Wrekin: A Song of
Shropshire was a tribute to his
native
county.
His works celebrated more than past
glories. He was commissioned to write the March and Hymn
for the coronation of George V. In 1911 he became the
first man to compose music for a British film, Henry
VIII.
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