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 us 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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Send me a message: notesfromschoolpodcast@gmail.com

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