This edition was prepared by Tim Henderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Death and Victory (The Anacreontic Song)
Staff Notation • Secular, Glees
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Death and Victory (The Anacreontic Song) by John Stafford Smith — Lyrics
When the navy of Gaul, our inveterate foes,
Call’d the valour of Britain their rage to oppose;
Brave Nelson who never in battle would yield,
For Britain and George nobly entered the field
To be true to the true land of freedom he swore;
As the blue that adorned the proud standard he bore.
When the hot rage of battle extending so wide,
Bade death o’er the fallen exultantly stride;
Encompass’d with danger he fearlessly fought.
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About Death and Victory (The Anacreontic Song)
This stirring SATB glee celebrates the bravery of Admiral Nelson at the Battle of the Nile, a victory against the French navy. The text recounts how Nelson, despite facing great danger, fought fearlessly and remained true to his honour even in death, securing a triumphant outcome for Britain. The music is set to the Anacreontic Song, a melody later adapted as the US national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner. This dramatic English text praises national pride and military heroism, making it a powerful choice for a choir seeking a piece with a strong narrative and patriotic theme.
