Viking Song

Published in 1911, it's speculated that Coleridge-Taylor composed this spirited seafaring song for students during his tenure at the Crystal Palace School of Music in London. The lyrics and heavily accented melody depict clanging anvils hammered by mythical Thor and Odin as steel ships are forged in the fire. Like many vocal songs of the day, the piece features key changes at each new verse. This accessible arrangement for string orchestra modulates from C major to G major, ending back in C major as the strong, lilting melody is passed between sections of the orchestra.