I’ve been writing some pretty patriotic programme notes this week for the 2016 BBC Proms, however, it’s time to learn the words to the Canadian national anthem. We are going to live there for the next chapter of our lives. It strikes me that a blog is ideal for documenting this experience as I navigate the freelance world of trans-pond music making. I sadly wave goodbye to the Royal Academy of Music where I’ve been a lecturer for 12 years, but plan to keep broadcasting as much as possible on Radio 3 and other lecturing commitments so I’ll be back in the UK on a fairly regular basis. Moving to Toronto will be an amazing adventure for my little family, but musically-speaking I’m excited to get going on my book (more on that to come no doubt), and all those other projects I thought I’d never have time for…
In the immortal words of Gandalf: It’s the deep breath before the plunge. Oh, and if you wondered about the words to the national anthem (I’m reminded of that season 3 West Wing episode, Dead Irish Poets, where Donna Moss finds out she is technically Canadian), then here they are.
O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land, glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee;
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada! Where pines and maples grow,
Great prairies spread and Lordly rivers flow!
How dear to us thy broad domain,
From East to Western sea!
The land of hope for all who toil,
The true North strong and free!
God keep our land, glorious and free.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!
O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies,
May Stalwart sons, and gentle maidens rise.
To keep thee steadfast thro’ the years,
From East to Western sea.
Our own beloved native land,
Our true North strong and free!
God keep our land, glorious and free.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!
Ruler supreme, who hearest humble prayer,
Hold our Dominion, in thy loving care.
Help us to find, O God, in thee,
A lasting rich reward.
As waiting for the better day,
We ever stand on guard.
God keep our land, glorious and free.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!
Where does the uttered music go? 