London in Song, Part 3: "Jerusalem"

Episode Topic: "Jerusalem"

This week we focus on what has become the national anthem for England (as opposed to Great Britain): the song known as "Jerusalem." With words by the poet William Blake and music by Charles Hubert Parry, this strange song is sung in the terraces at sporting events, performed at Royal Weddings and classical concerts, and is played as the soundtrack to "Visit England" tourism advertisements. We’ll consider how an obscure lyric, part of a preface to an esoteric and highly enigmatic prophetic poem, became one of the best known patriotic songs in England.

Featured Speakers: 

• Ian Newman, Professor in the English Department and Fellow of the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies and of the Nanovic Institute for European Studies, University of Notre Dame
• Rev. Jim Lies C.S.C., Senior Director for Academic Initiatives and Partnerships for the Notre Dame London Global Gateway, University of Notre Dame

Read this episode's recap over on the University of Notre Dame's open online learning community platform, ThinkND: go.nd.edu/8cd724.

This podcast is a part of the London Book Club ThinkND Series titled “London in Song”.

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