Jerusalem

Sir Hubert Parry (1848-1918) set William Blake’s Preface to Milton to music for a rally of the ‘Fight for the Right’ movement in the Queen’s Hall, London, in 1916. It became more generally known as ‘Jerusalem’ when Parry conducted it in 1918 at a concert to mark the final stage in the Votes for Women Campaign, after which it was adopted by the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (and is still sung at meetings of WI Groups all over Britain). Sir Edward Elgar added his orchestral accompaniment in time for the Leeds Festival of 1922, since then it has become a popular national hymn. The theme is uniquely English and there is an undertone of 19th century politics. Thisarrangement by Philip Sparke is sure to be used over and over again at your band’s performances.