David Bednall

Everyone Sang

Everyone Sang was written for the wedding blessing at Wells Cathedral on 26th May 2007. The choir on that occasion featured many singers from the operatic world and this, combined with the emotional nature of the occasion, explains something of its ecstatic style. The poem is truly beautiful and offers much opportunity for word-setting. Opening in unison, the musical material follows the wonderful images of the poem leading to a shattering climax for 'everyone's voice was suddenly lifted'. A warm chord emerges for the 'setting sun' before the mood darkens slightly for the following lines before the final pages of profound peace; 'the singing will never be done' is repeated until almost inaudible and finally left hanging in space. An excellent addition to the remembrance and war commemoration repertoire for use in concert hall or church, especially during the centenary of the First World War.