The Soldier

The Soldier was commissioned by Jenny Gregory for the Arts North Department of Education choral series and premiered at the Sydney Opera House in 2014.

Jenny retired in the same year, and after a decade of working with Paul on various commissions, recordings, tours and events, she wanted to leave behind a new piece that would have an impact on the choirs for hers to come; a dedication to the Anzacs. This was a pertinent  decision given that 2014 marked the 100th Anniversary of the start of the Great War.

Paul had written music about the Great War in 2007 when he composed the piece ‘Known Unto God’ which made it’s international premier under the Menin Gate in Ypres, the only piece in history to be performed in this ceremony. Paul’s research was extensive. So, for this new piece, he decided to look at the greater history and impact of war, and in reality, unfortunately nothing changes. We keep on fighting. Paul chose the poem ‘The Soldier’ by Confucius and wrote some new text to add to this timeless poem of loss and hope.

During the writing of this piece, Pete Seeger and Phillip Seymour Hoffman both died. These artists have both had an impact on Paul’s life and he dedicates this work also to their memory.

We hope you enjoy this sample performance by the wonderful Newcastle Grammar Choir.

Themes

Sing a global story Sing a history Sing a message Sing for an eisteddfod Sing from the heart
Duration 4:20
Key D minor with modulations
Range Altos A3 and SOPS up to High G
More info Also written for strings. Please contact Paul for parts and scores.
Price AU$3.00 per copy

Lyrics

T H E   S O L D I E R
By Confucius with additional lyrics by Paul Jarman

I climbed the barren mountain
And my gaze swept far and wide

For the red-lit eaves of my father's home
And I fancied that he sighed
My son has gone for a soldier
For a soldier night and day
But my son is wise, and may yet return
When the drums have died away



I climbed the grass-clad mountain
And my gaze swept far and wide

For the rosy lights of a little room
Where I thought my mother sighed
My boy has gone for a soldier
He sleeps not day and night
But my boy is wise, and may yet return
Though the dead lie far from sight

Here I stand so strong and free
Singing you the hope you seek
Stand as one we’ll sing for peace
And we’ll make this world a better place

I climbed the highest summit
And my gaze swept far and wide

For the garden roof where my brother stood
And I fancied that he sighed
My brother serves as a soldier

With his comrades night and day
But my brother is wise, and may yet return
Though the dead lie far away