You can't beat a bit of patriotism

YOU might just have noticed that it is the Queen Mother's 100th birthday on Frida.

Together with the celebratory supplements, programmes, parties and mugs, a collection of music representing the last 100 years has also been assembled.

Billed as the "official album of HM the Queen Mother's 100th birthday celebrations on Horse Guards", the CD is a something-for-everyone, from the marching songs of the First World War, through the Charleston, to Winston Churchill, My Fair Lady, a tribute to HM's love of racing, and all wrapped up with a new song written just for the big day itself.

The BBC Concert Orchestra, City of London Choir and assorted regimental and forces bands, together with Dame Vera Lynn, give it their all through more than an hour and 10 centuries.

It's a musical tale of the Queen Mum's life and - by its very nature - a tribute to one of the most eventful centuries ever, the 20th.

Some of the pieces work better than others. The birthday song One Hundred Years could be syruppy but is actually quite catchy, but the Charleston was not written to be played by full orchestra.

But it's perfect for the extract of Walton's marvellous Crown Imperial, played at George VI's Coronation.

You can always fast forward over the Second World War's cheeky chappy, salt-o-the-earth fare like Any Old Iron, Knocked 'Em in the Old Kent Road, and the rather 'proper' version of Run, Rabbit Run.

On the other hand, you can't beat a bit of patriotism. So sway to the White Cliffs of Dover, sing lustily to Jerusalem and Pomp and Circumstance, and wipe the old tears over We'll Meet Again.

The CD also features the voices of dependable newsreaders Kenneth Kendall and Richard Baker.... oh, and if you must, there's also the National Anthem.

Go on, swallow your 21th Century cynicism, and join in with What A Wonderful World.

And if that's not enough to make you rush out and buy a copy, bear in mind that for every CD sold, a cash sum is donated to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association - Forces Help.

Decca

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