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Why are they heading
for Whitchurch in 2006?
Whitchurch 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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