The Missa solemnis in D Major, Opus 123, is a Solemn Mass composed by Ludwig van Beethoven from 1819 to 1823. It was first performed in April 1824 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, under the auspices of Beethoven’s patron Prince Nikolai Galitzin; an incomplete performance was given in Vienna in May 1824, when the Kyrie, Credo, […]
Transport Miscellany
Finally, we round off our journey of transportation delight with a collection of honourable mentions for those means of motion for which there are only the occasional reference such as balloons, the Underground etc. “Up, Up and Away” is a 1967 song written by Jimmy Webb and recorded by US soul-pop act the 5th Dimension, […]
Riding
So far all the modes of transport have been human or mechanical, but it would be remiss of me to exclude one of the oldest means that people have empolyed to move from place to another that of animal locomotion. Some animals are used due to sheer physical strength in tasks such as ploughing or […]
Space Travel
Today we undertake our second visit to space and those who travel amongst the stars. We begin with the closing theme tune to one of the seminal TV programmes of my childhood – Fireball XL5. Don Spencer released his first single, “Fireball”, on the HMV label – it was the closing theme song for the […]
Space Flight
Space Flight is the use of space technology to achieve the flight of spacecraft into and through outer space. Spaceflight is used in space exploration, and also in commercial activities like space tourism and satellite telecommunications. Additional non-commercial uses of spaceflight include space observatories, reconnaissance satellites and other Earth observation satellites. A spaceflight typically begins […]
Aeroplanes and Flying
A second trawl amongst the ragbag of songs about aeroplanes and we begin with a surprising entry from 1934. “On the Good Ship Lollipop” was the signature song of child actress Shirley Temple sang it in the film of 1934, Bright Eyes. The song was composed by Richard A. Whiting and the lyrics were supplied […]
Flying
Finally our transport series takes to the skies with some songs about flying. Flight or flying is the process by which an object moves through a space without contacting any planetary, either within an atmosphere or through the vacuum of outer space. This can be achieved by generating aerodynamic lift associated with gliding or propulsive […]
People Get Ready
We continue our theme of travel today with “People Get Ready” a 1965 single by the Impressions, and the title track from the People Get Ready. The single is the group’s best-known hit, reaching number 14 on the Billboard. The gospel-influenced track was a Curtis Mayfield composition that displayed the growing sense of social and […]
Sailing
Sailing employs the wind—acting on sails, wingsails or kites—to propel a craft on the surface of the water, on ice or on land over a chosen course, which is often part of a larger plan of navigation. Until the middle of the 19th century, sailing ships were the primary means for marine exploration, commerce, and […]
Ships
A ship is a large watercraft that travels the world’s oceans and other sufficiently deep waterways, carrying goods or passengers, or in support of specialized missions, such as defence, research, and fishing. Ships are generally distinguished from boats, based on size, shape, load capacity, and purpose. In the Age of Sail a “ship” was a […]