Download Classic FM's number 1 charity single ‘Steadfast’
13 October 2014, 10:55 | Updated: 9 September 2015, 16:08
Classic FM's number 1 charity single 'Steadfast', by Howard Goodall, is available to download now. Listen to the preview – we’re sure you’ll like it. All proceeds will go to Global's Make Some Noise, a charity that helps disadvantaged children in the UK.
Classic FM's charity single 'Steadfast' has reached number 1 in the classical singles chart. The single was so successful that it has even peaked in the top 50 on the iTunes pop chart.
.@ClassicFM's @makenoise single Steadfast hits #1 on the Official Classical Singles Chart! http://t.co/ZCn7uV4Q2x pic.twitter.com/hH4sRoujvd
— Official Charts (@officialcharts) October 14, 2014
'Steadfast' was written by Classic FM's composer-in-residence, Howard Goodall, and recorded by a galaxy of classical stars at Air Studios yesterday. Now it’s available to download from the iTunes store, here. We think you’ll agree it sounds glorious. Here's what Classic FM listeners have been saying about the song:
"Steadfast. What a triumph. It was very moving." - Sue Davies, Telford.
"A lovely haunting melody. Find I am humming Steadfast already! Well done to you all." - Jennifer, Ipswich.
"It's beautiful, very lovely lyrics, like a poem. Steadfast brill!" - Danielle, Yate.
The more I hear Steadfast by Howard Goodall, the more I like it @ClassicFM
— June Hurst (@juneh49) October 11, 2014
'Steadfast' - the preview
Click play below to hear a sneak preview of 'Steadfast' for yourself – and be sure to watch the ‘making of’ video (above), which shows these brilliant performers – and a bevy of Classic FM presenters – in their natural environment.
'Steadfast' - The lyrics
If you want to sing along at home, here are the lyrics to 'Steadfast':
In light or shade
I will be steadfast at your side.
Through joy and strife
we'll walk together, stride by stride.
At dusk
When shadows cast their wings across your brow
At midnight's toll, at silent dawn,
However long it takes
I will be dauntless should you ask,
Unflinching in the task.
In pride or grief
I will be there should need arise
Through sorrow’s vale
I’ll try to see things through your eyes
And this:
I do not offer judgements or false hopes
I do not claim to know what’s best
Nor tender easy cures
Just that my friendship’s guaranteed
Whatever you should need.
At dusk
When shadows cast their wings across your brow
At midnight's toll, at silent dawn,
However long it takes I will be dauntless should you ask,
Unflinching in the task.
In light or shade
Through joy or strife
We'll walk together, stride by stride.
'Steadfast' - The recording
Recording of 'Steadfast' started at 8am on Thursday at London’s world-famous Air Studios. You name them, they were singing - or performing - on the record: Katherine Jenkins, Laura Wright, Milos, Charlie Siem, to name but a few.
Alfie Boe flies in from America
Alfie Boe flew in all the way from America to record his part in the single - one of the solo lines at the start of the song.
"It's a very pretty song," Alfie told John Suchet, "a great melodic line". Press play below to listen.
Wynne Evans and Alfie Boe compare waist sizes
Welsh tenor Wynne Evans has also been contributing to the single and comparing tummies with Alfie.
Wynne Evans sings an early, early preview of 'Steadfast'
Wynne even gave listeners to Anne-Marie Minhall's show an exclusive sneak preview of his lines from our charity song:
Classic FM presenters are displaying their considerable musical talents on the song: Myleene Klass and Tim Lihoreau on piano, John Brunning on guitar, John Suchet on trombone, Alexander Armstrong, Aled Jones and Catherine Bott (below) on vocals…
Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen makes glockenspiel debut
...and - making his debut as a percussionist - Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen on glockenspiel:
Apart from the soloists there was a wealth of musical talent providing back-up - conductor Julian Reynolds has been marshalling the forces of the Trinity Laban Conservatoire.
The single is available to download on iTunes now.
Find out more about Global's Make Some Noise
All proceeds from the download of the single will go to Global's Make Some Noise, which unites all Global Radio brands to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.
You can donate by clicking the button below - and be sure to take a look at the exclusive behind-the-scenes galleries further down.
