ANNIE’S SONG
“John Denver’s 1974 chart topper is one of my mum’s favourite songs and everybody knows it. But I’m not sure how many people know that the melody is actually borrowed from a Tchaikovsky symphony. I’ve changed it quite a bit because I’m really against that ‘karaoke pop’ idea. Instead of starting with a guitar, I thought I’d get a harpist to play at the start – and who better than Catrin Finch, who is phenomenal. And, like several songs on the album, it’s produced by Nigel Wright, who is the musical director of X Factor and a good friend of mine.”

LAND OF MY FATHERS
“I had to include the Welsh national anthem didn’t I… Obviously ‘Land Of My Fathers’ is in my blood, and in the blood of every Welsh person. I sang it at the Millennium Stadium last year for the Grand Slam party when I was performing with Stereophonics and next month (November 28) I’m singing it again at the Wales v Australia arugby match. I can’t wait!”

BENEDICTUS (from The Armed Man)
“Karl (Jenkins) suggested this song, from his ‘mass for peace’ The Armed Man. As soon as I heard it I wanted to do a duet - and Kiri Te Kanawa was the perfect person to do it with. It’s just a beautiful melody and I have always wanted to sing with Kiri so it’s made that song very special. She has been singing for four decades and I learned so much from her. She is 65 and still has her top of the range and sings magically. It’s just a joy and a privilege to have her on my album. It was important to me to collaborate with somebody credible and she is respected throughout the world of classical music.”