Drake's Drum

Charles Villiers Stanford's Drake's Drum sets words by Sir Henry Newbolt, celebrating a legendary moment of English maritime history. Written for TBB choir and sung in English, this is a stirring example of the secular part-song tradition. The text vividly imagines Sir Francis Drake, ready for action even in rest, and issues a powerful call to him to join the fight. Stanford's music rises to the dramatic challenge of the words, creating a robust and spirited setting that would surely have resonated with audiences at the turn of the twentieth century, evoking national pride and a sense of martial readiness. It is a vigorous piece designed for male voices.