Inform, Educate, Entertain

As Composer in Association of the BBC Singers it was a special privilege to be asked to write a substantial choral and orchestral piece to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Singers. This anniversary was all the more significant because, for a period in 2023, the future of the Singers was thrown into doubt. I hoped therefore to create a piece that would celebrate not only the anniversary but also the resurgence of this excellent group.

I had already written the Singers a showcase piece (called BBC Singers) that described what they do and who they are, so I searched instead for a text that might relate to the core values of the BBC, to remind us of what was originally at the heart of the formation of the company as a whole, and re-affirm its ideals in this modern age. It seemed logical therefore to look to the Royal Charter for inspiration and to select choice statements of purpose and intent.

As I began writing, a musical style emerged that reminded me of early and mid-twentieth century television programming, a nostalgic sound reminiscent of a golden era of broadcasting. I gradually became aware that I was channelling the filmic, orchestral style of Walton, mixed with the socio-political zeal of Tippett. Without intending to descend into all-out pastiche, I nonetheless hope that this mid-century ‘British’ style can help evoke the optimism and sense of boundless possibility that the language of the BBC Charter suggests.

Part of the original brief was that there should be two sections of music that could be pre-recorded by amateur singers, singing alongside the BBC Singers in live performance using the latest technology. This appealed to me greatly as it was partly the campaign by vast numbers of amateur singers around the world that led to the revoking of the decision to disband the Singers. It seemed particularly appropriate that massed voices could be allowed to join in with the BBC Singers for this celebration.

The two sections employed are taken from a pre-existing choral piece, commissioned by the Saffron Walden Choral Society in 2023 and used here with their kind permission, called Sing Joyfully. This was modelled in its opening movement on the anthem of the same name by William Byrd and I judged it to be the perfect way for massed voices to respond to the call of the BBC Charter. The second of these interjections concludes with a round that can be sung by any competent voices, and a four-note refrain that can be sung by absolutely anybody.

Roderick Williams, August 2024