mellowMy Bible reading continues, and today took me to Psalm 46 ... which in turn, took me to The Dambusters March.
Whether you are a Pacifist, or not, The Dambusters "happened" ... and were an amazing boost to moral at the time (just ask my Dad!) ... when the film was made, again a brillaint film, with Richard Todd as Guy Gibson VC, and a brilliant March was written by Eric Coates. We are opening the 2nd half of our September concert with this, btw.
For me it also brings backa great school memory ... I first heard this piece played ona piano when I was 11, by a boy called Ian. He couldn't read music, and only ever learnt one piece of music ... this. It is one of those stories that is hard to believe, but is true.
So, sit back and enjoy a great piece of music -
May all those who have died (or continue to suffer) for the cause of freedom receive peace ... Never forgotten.
Psalm 46
1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Back in the 1970's I lived in Essex, and for a short time attended a Church at Harold Wood, where Richard Bewes was the vicar (he's now at All Soul's Langham Place) ... during that time, he wrote a few hymns ... one of which isGod is our Strength and Refuge ... to the central part of the tune of The Dambusters March.
At our concert in September, Bude Orchestra is playing the version as in the top You Tube, but we are having a soloist to sing the hymn ... It's below the cut if you want to know what I'm talking about.
God is our strength and refuge,
Our present help in trouble;
and we therefore will not fear,
though the earth should change!
Though mountains shake and tremble,
though swirling floods are raging,
God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!
There is a flowing river,
Within Gods holy city;
God is in the midst of her -
she shall not be moved!
Gods help is swiftly given,
thrones vanish at his presence -
God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!
Come, see the works of our maker,
learn of his His deeds all powerful;
wars will cease across the world
when He shatters the spear!
Be still and know your creator,
uplift Him in the nations -
God the Lord of hosts is with us evermore!
And ... the music, in case you would like to sing along -
I hoped you enjoyed a trip into my memories, a great tune, another lovely Psalm ... and the combination, turned into a hymn.