Denbigh Male Voice Choir

A Welsh Male Voice Choir from Denbigh, North Wales. Hire the choir for a wedding.

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Wartime Songs and Music

November 7, 2014 By Richard Thompson Leave a Comment

Remembrance Sunday approaches with national gratitude. Respect observed at cenotaphs nationwide. Wartime songs, music and poetry play a significant part as we pay homage to the fallen.

Songs of World War l

Wartime Songs Plead Your Country Needs You

Wartime Songs Plead Your Country Needs You

At the outbreak of World War l, wartime songs called young men to enlist for the good of King and Country.

One such song was “Your King and Country Want You.” Generally sung by females to encourage males to join the forces.

Marie Lloyd, the music hall star,  performed “Now You’ve Got Yer Khaki On” during the first world war.

The escalation of war meant rising numbers of deaths. Recruitment songs all but disappeared.

Instead came the music hall songs which were more upbeat and cheerful. Such as ”When the Boys Come Home” and “Keep the Home Fires Burning.”

300px-It's_a_long_way_to_TipperaryAnother popular wartime song was “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary.”  It generated fond thoughts of returning home.

“Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit-Bag, and Smile, Smile, Smile” is the full name of a World War l marching song.

Written by Welsh songwriters, George Henry Powell, under the pseudonym of “George Asaf.” Music set by his brother Felix Powell.

Gareth Malone  gives a fascinating, detailed insight into the history of this song. Click on his name to read the article.

Wartime Songs of World War ll

During World War ll wartime songs played a vital role in keeping spirits up.

Wartime songs united people in a shared experience.  ‘Forces Sweetheart’ Dame Vera Lynn will always be synonymous with her “We’ll Meet Again” and the “The White Cliffs of Dover.”

In 1941, during the darkest days of the Second World War, Vera Lynn began her own radio programme.

‘Sincerely Yours,’ sent comforting messages to British troops serving abroad.

Remembrance Sunday

Wartime songs and poppies on Remembrance /day

Wartime songs and poppies on Remembrance Sunday

Wartime songs and music on Remembrance Sunday remains unchanged.  The programme agreed and finalised in 1930.

Moreover, it contains wartime songs and music that has become an integral part of our heritage.

‘Nimrod,’ from the ‘Enigma Variations’ by Edward Elgar is always played. Sombre and majestic patriotism.

The ‘Last Post’ plaintive and haunting.

Forever a part of our cultural tradition.

It will always remain an emotional day.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Edward Elgar, Enigma Variations, Gareth Malone, It's a Long Way to Tipperary, Keep the Home Fires Burning, Last Post, Marie Lloyd, Nimrod, Remembrance Sunday, Vera Lynn, We'll Meet Again

About Richard Thompson

Richard Thompson, spent his entire working career in the National Health Service, mainly in a teaching capacity. He now enjoys his retirement and between his family and four grandchildren, gardening, holidays, computing, his choir,and village events his life is very full.

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Thank you to all for singing so beautifully at my Daughter Claire’s wedding to the Lovely John ! As I walked into the church I was filled with such emotion it was stunning !
Claire's Mum
Ally and I would like to say a huge thank you to the choir for singing at our wedding on Saturday. I think almost everybody had commented on how great the choir were, even the English contingent! Ally and I were really pleased and we think you gave a great touch to what could have been a long church service!
Michael and Alyson
Ourselves and our guests thought you were fantastic and reduced many to tears. The singing was so overwhelming. The feedback we received from our guests was very positive. You bring so much joy and pleasure to people's experiences.
Sara and Owain
AMAZING!!! Thank you for a spectacular performance. I couldn’t have wished for a better entrance from yourselves, you truly made it special.
Jess
Thank you so much for singing at our wedding, you were all amazing. Whenever anyone has spoken about our special day they mention the choir and how great you all were. Your performance really set the tone to an amazing day
Leanne
We had the privilege of being invited to Dan and Lisa’s wedding. The presence of the choir was a pure joy to experience. Music, song and laughter .. Hiraeth ! The rendition of “Myfanwy” was very poignant to us as a family as you identified.. and was much appreciated. Diolch yn fawr iawn . ..Personally Sospan Fach was the song for me!! Ann Williams
Daniel and Lisa
You were all fantastic! Goosebumps abound. We can’t describe the impact you had on our day.
Donna
Thank you very much for performing in our wedding ceremony in July. You were fantastic and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jorge and Lowri
We would like to thank you all for making Keeley and Huw's wedding so special, everybody commented on your outstanding performance.
Keeley
Just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for your incredible performance at our wedding on November 5th, and we've had so many comments on how emotive and special the choir was, and I couldn't agree more. Thank you so much, Diolch yn fawr iawn. Emma Lewis-Kalubowila
Sam and Emma
The singing was really beautiful and very much appreciated by all of the guests young and old. Thank you very much, you made our special day even more special.
Rhian
What a lovely blog – what can I say – words cannot describe the beautiful singing and the atmosphere of a little church in the Welsh hills – it was magic.
Elizabeth
It’s our pleasure to thank you and the choir for making our day complete. So many of our guests commented that your performance was one of the highlights of the day. Many had never heard a Welsh male voice choir and were amazed.
Sheelagh
Please say a big thank you to all members of the choir for making a great day even better. Best wishes Colin and Libby Thackray
Kate and Alex
We never imagined how overwhelming we would feel hearing the choir sing at our wedding and in such a beautiful church too. It truly was a very special and very memorable day thanks to the choir!
Samantha
Thank you so much for performing at our wedding! It was so lovely to hear the choir, everyone really enjoyed them and we got so many lovely comments afterwards!
Laura and Jonathan

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  • 02/03/19 Crown Lane, Denbigh at Denbigh Town Hall
  • 14/05/19 Llandudno at St John’s Church

See all upcoming shows…

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