BBC Proms - Hubert Parry: Jerusalem (orch. Elgar)

Malcolm Sargent instigated the tradition of the audience singing Parry's Jerusalem at the Last Night, in 1953. Parry's simple 1916 setting of Blake's words, in unison, was later orchestrated by the composer, but it is Elgar's expanded arrangement of 1922 which has held sway ever since.

(Last Night of the Proms, BBC Proms 2018)

[valerieeldridge]

I remember as a nine year old singing this on the day of Queen Elizabeth's coronation. Still makes me emotional after living in the US for 50+ years.

[DacianAstilean-Styles-enhp]

So beautiful to see the people in the audience singing along

[ballball]

I will not cease from Mental Fight,
Nor shall my Sword sleep in my hand:
Till we have built Jerusalem,
In Englands green & pleasant Land.

[jimmysaks]

One of the most beautiful songs ever conceived...lovely!

[nickdestefano]

I'm Italian and I lived in London for nigh on 40 years. I came to London when I was just 19, in the 60's. I always loved watching the various concerts and I rarely missed The last Night of The Proms.This has always been my favourite hymn and it always did, and does, give me goose pimples and bring tears to my eyes. And I think it would have made a second national Hymn, just like Va Pensiero from Nabucco would have made a beautiful second one for Italy.

[madeline]

I'm American, but this is hands down the most gorgeous song I've heard in a solid five years.

[healthserve]

American here. This song really tugs on my heart strings. Partly because it's so near and dear to England's heart, but also because sometimes music is just so perfect it's really emotional. (Yes, yes, I'm a crier). When it gets to "Oh, clouds unfold" I invariably tear up. What a perfect musical phrase! I sang it in a concert once and could barely get through that part.

[charlier]

If you are English, this has to give you goose bumps. Invokes memories of when we were a proud nation.

[johnsage]

Hatred? Listen to the words. God loves us all and we should be happy for his grace.

[acxezknightnite]

Such rousing music and powerful words. As an English person, one cannot help but have a swell of pride, hearing this.

[iaidagger]

This IS ENGLAND AT ITS BEST!!!😊😊Greetings from Argentina from an old St John's School student😊😊😊❤❤

[robfriar]

As someone who lives in the U.S., this brings me to tears. I love the U.K. and am tremendously grateful for all it has given to my country.

[Lion-yejr]

Well I'd just like to say it was absolutely lovely to see the return of the Proms LEGEND (Sir Andrew Davis) in 2018. I cannot believe more of the comments dont mention him. He is the conductor I remember from my childhood years watching the proms with my parents. No other conductor since him has conveyed the same energy and delightful eccentricity as he does on the last night of the proms. I was sad to see him step away years ago, but over the moon to see him return.

[leakoe]

Sending goosebumps all over when I hear this..
Best ever

[dafrieze]

I'm an American who thinks this perhaps the most moving melody ever composed.

[airesuk]

You'll never hear anything better. Brings tears to my eyes with pride. Outstanding.

[martinjmcc]

I'm a proud Scot, but love this and sing along to it with passion. Thank you good neighbours.

[michaelhayden]

I love the enthusiasm of our conductor! He really puts in!

[koumospecial]

Regardless of any political/historical views, does anyone here realise how astonishingly inspiring and dynamic composition and poem this is?… (and that comes from a non-UK folk from Greece who just loves music)

[marcusaureliusantoninusaug]

I hope this becomes the official National Anthem one day. It's an epic tune.