Variations on Lillibulero

Lllibulero probably started as an Irish jig. The name Lillibulero is probably a reference to the 18th Century astrologer, William Lilly, who predicted a victory that did not happen. The melody I use is based on the one made popular by Purcell. Lilli has had many uses down the ages. In the 19th Century, regiments of the US army used it as a marching tune during the civil war. Perhaps its best use was by the BBC who began using it during the Second World War -- most famously as the signature tune to the news on the BBC World Service. This version is loosely based on the arrangement by Hans Jorgen Messerschmidt for horn, trumpet and euphonium, although I have made a great many changes and added many parts. It is offered as a thank you to all those journalists who have carried on the BBC's tradition of unbiased, high quality honest news.