Dear Commons Community,

On April 15 this year, it’ll have been 100 years since the Titanic sank. Robin Gibb,  of Bee Gees fame, has composed a classical tribute to the tragedy, Titanic Requiem.  As a preview, one of the songs, Christmas Day,   is available at the Robin Gibb website, and is performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with soloist Isabelle Suckling.  It tells the story of a young girl on one of the lifeboats, singing about her father who perished on The Titanic. She sings of a light above her, a star in heaven that will always bear his name, but laments that every Christmas there will be an empty chair. It is a poignant example of the many personal tragedies that were sadly manifest in The Titanic’s short but illustrious voyage, ultimately concluding in the death of over 1,500 souls on board.

The website comments:  “This song is paramount in expressing the respect and admiration for those who bravely gave up their seats for the women and children, complete strangers as well as their own kin. Isabelle Suckling has made Christmas Day come to life. She has the right voice for the song and it was a pleasure working with her. Please enjoy”

It is quite beautiful.  Enjoy indeed!

Tony

http://www.robingibb.com/splash