The Monarchy – an alternative view

Terence Davies, from “Of Time and the City’

Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee celebrations

Over 1 million on the Mall and around Buckingham palace. It was fantastic and I was there with friends. This is part two. The last few minutes the fireworks are set off to Music for the Royal Fireworks – George Fridric Handel 1749

Coronation of Elizabeth II – in colour

Laurence Olivier narrates in 4 parts. Wonderful tradition and solemnity, music and pagentry rooted in British history and perhaps more appreciated by the Brits. because it is our living history.

Of Time and the City – Terence Davies

Conclusion, Mahler Symphony No.2

Les Choriste (2004) La Nuit

Mercedes Sosa (1935-2009) – Gracias a la Vida

Thanks to life that has given me so much
It gave me  two eyes and when I open them
I perfectly distinguish the black from the white
And in the high sky starry  depths
And in the crowd the man I love

Thanks to life that has given me so much
It gave me my ears in all its width
It hears night and day, crickets and canaries
Hammers, turbines, barking and storms
And my lover’s tender voice

Thanks to life that has given me so much
It gave me sound and the alphabet
With it the words I am thinking and declaring
Mother, friend, brother and shining light
The way to my soul of the man I love

Thanks for the life that has given me so much
It has given me strength for my tired feet
With them I walked cities and puddles
Beaches and deserts, mountains and plains
And your  house, your street and your courtyard

Thanks to life that has given me so much
It gave me my beating heart
When I look at the fruit of the human brain
When I look at the good so far from the bad
When I look into your clear eyes

Thanks to life that has given me so much
It gave me the laughter and it gave me the crying
So I can distinguish happiness from sadness
Both themes that shape my song
And your song that is mine as well.
And the songs of all which is my own song

Thanks to life that has given me so much

Performed by Mercedes Sosa (1935 – 4th October 2009)

‘Hello, I Must Be Going’ – Groucho Marx

Hello, I must be going.
I cannot stay,
I came to say
I must be going.
I’m glad I came
but just the same
I must be going.
For my sake you must stay,
for if you go away,
you’ll spoil this party
I am throwing.

I’ll stay a week or two,
I’ll stay the summer through,
but I am telling you,
I must be going.

- Groucho Marx, in ‘Animal Crackers’ 1930

Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, part 3

Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, part 2

Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, part 1