The poem is of quiet grief and thanksgiving in remembrance of those who died in the achievement of victory.
In the event, the song introduced "A Pageant of Heroes".
The song starts after a short introduction, pensively, in a minor key, with the solo voice which is joined by a simple ostinato-like bass line. The gentle middle section seems to show the sentiment of hope. The song ends triumphally in the
relative major key, with words of thanksgiving.
This song was also arranged by the composer as a part-song.
Foreman, Lewis (ed.),"Oh, My Horses! Elgar and the Great War", Elgar Editions, Rickmansworth, 2001
ISBN0-9537082-3-3
Richards, Jeffrey "Imperialism and Music: Britain 1876-1953" (Manchester University Press, 2002)
ISBN0-7190-4506-1
Recordings
The CD with the book Oh, My Horses! Elgar and the Great War[1] has many historical recordings including The Immortal Legions, a 1985 recording with Anthony Ransome (baritone), Kensington Choir and Symphony Orchestra conducted by Leslie Head
The CD "The Unknown Elgar" has Sailing Westward and The Immortal Legions, Tudor Choir directed by Barry Collett, with Ken Burley (piano) PEARL SHE CD 9635