Carmen Etonense

Album: Rule Britannia (1877)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Also known "The Carmen" or simply "Carmen," the school song of Eton College is actually sung in Latin. Less well known than the "Eton Boating Song," it was composed by J. Barnby with words by A. C. Ainger.
  • Both the song's writers worked at Eton. Sir Joseph Barnby (1838-96) was educated at the Royal Academy of Music, and served as Precentor at Eton from 1875–92 before moving to the Guildhall School of Music as Principal. Arthur Campbell Ainger (1841–1919) was an alumnus of the school who went on to become an assistant master and then a house master.
  • The English translation of the song says basically as long as England flourishes, so will Eton. It was first sung on December 18, 1877, at the school concert. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 3

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Yoko Ono

Yoko OnoSongwriter Interviews

At 80 years old, Yoko has 10 #1 Dance hits. She discusses some of her songs and explains what inspired John Lennon's return to music in 1980.

Holly Knight ("The Best," "Love Is A Battlefield")

Holly Knight ("The Best," "Love Is A Battlefield")Songwriter Interviews

Holly Knight talks about some of the hit songs she wrote, including "The Warrior," "Never" and "The Best," and explains some songwriting philosophy, including how to think of a bridge.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."

U2 Lyrics

U2 LyricsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the lyrics of U2?