Thanks to Iain Dale, I came across this fabulous arrangement of the National Anthem, which was performed at the end of this year's Proms. The National Anthem as it is usually played is dirge-like and funereal, the very antithesis of fun. And yet the tune has its roots as a galliard - a light and lively dance - in the early 17C. Sing it to yourself at about double the usual speed, with heavy stresses on the first note of each bar (ta-ta-ti-taaa-ta-ta) and it becomes light and rather jolly. Rarely, however, is it treated like this, with an arrangement which brings out the majesty and rich harmonic possibilities of the tune. Benjamin Britten, of course. I don't mind admitting this brought tears to my eyes.
A little light Googling brought me to this page, where there is the text of a poem engraved on a piece of slate outside the Honister slate quarry in Cumbria. British patriots, enjoy:
Unfurl our flag - red, white and blue -
and greet it with your smile.
The blue is for the sea we view
around our sceptred isle;
the sea o'er which we've paid our due
in storm and wartime trial.
Raise up our flag - blue, red and white -
salute it with respect.
The white is for the purest light
that freedom can effect
and for the lasting love of right
our citizens expect.
Fly high our flag - white, blue and red -
for everyone to see.
The red is for the blood we shed
to keep our country free
and for our brave forebears who bled
in every century.
Our flag is known the whole world through;
our Union Jack so dear.
We don't want stars of gold on blue
on any flagpoles here!
James Hinton
Why are we so embarrassed by our nation's history? Why do want to denigrate it and cast it aside?
Appalling dirge. But not as bad as that 'unofficial anthem', 'Flower of Scotland' composed by a man who used to live across the street from me. I don't think he was a bad bloke and he was a fine folk musician in most respects. But I could have stopped that happening if I'd known, if I'd thought. You regret what you didn't do.
ReplyDeleteAnthems give me the boak but if I had to like any I'd say the French and the Russians have the best. Kurt Vonnegut as an American was a brave man to point out that the 'Star Spangled Banner' is just a load of question marks.
I suppose this is a good one too.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tQtLm4mc3A&feature=related
Errk. Feel sick ;)
ReplyDeleteNice song but it's all pointless. Multicuturalism will squash it all next year.
ReplyDeleteMiserable buggers.
ReplyDelete@Jim: Vonnegut was right up to a point. It's only the first verse and a half that are questions. After that, it gets all declaratory on you.
"Why are we so embarrassed by our nation's history? Why do want to denigrate it and cast it aside?"
ReplyDelete'We' don't, but some certainly do...