Jerusalem. It has been one of the most recognisable and iconic English tunes of the past 100 years. But is it as universally loved as we remember and can it even be called a hymn? How has a story about Jesus taking a road trip to Glastonbury led to a First World War patriotic anthem, through the lens of a Georgian revolutionary poet.
In this week’s assembly, I do a deep dive into Jerusalem, talking about its history, the association with the WI and even how it can signify the English musically. I really hope you enjoy this episode and I would love to know any memories of singing it plus any comments or thoughts about what I have to say!
If you have enjoyed the episode please feel free to leave a comment or review. Timestamps below if you want to skip to any bit in particular. All questions and/or requests can be sent to notesfromschoolpodcast@gmail.com.
Timestamps:
0:00: Jerusalem poem reading
0:50: Catch up
4:10: Education and positive music news
7:20: Intro to Jerusalem
10:03: A vicar’s PM about Jerusalem
11:58: How did the hymn Jerusalem come about? William Blake, Robert Bridges and Hubert Parry
17:23: What makes the Jerusalem introduction so stirring?
22:02: Why Jerusalem is musically English
25:14: How the hymn became the anthem of the Women’s Institute
27:16: Becoming used by political movements
29:24: Is Jerusalem even a hymn?
33:16: Memories from social media
37:21: Jerusalem singalong
38:50: Final thoughts and wrap up
Send a text
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I am on tour all year, across the UK and you can book your tickets at: https://jamesbpartridge.com/
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