BBC Proms presenter Katie Derham delves into the fascinating history and legacy of 'Land of Hope and Glory', a piece of music that feels particularly close to home.
The lyrics to 'Land of Hope and Glory' - arguably the most quintessentially English piece of music ever - were perhaps written under Radio 3 presenter Katie Derham’s roof. For 15 years the Derhams have been making a home in the Sussex residence previously occupied by the Bensons, that famous Victorian family of writers, philosophers, and an Archbishop of Canterbury. One of the sons - Arthur Christopher Benson - was the poet responsible for penning rousing words to Edward Elgar’s stately music.
The song has endured, of course - becoming a symbol of patriotism and pride that's still sung at the Last Night of the Proms. But couplets that appear to celebrate Britain's empire ("God who made thee mighty / Make thee mightier yet") have their critics. In this documentary, Derham opens up her home to delve into the fascinating, infamous history of this iconic composition.
With contributions from:
- Jessica Duchen, novelist, librettist & classical music critic
- Eamon Duffy, Benson historian & Emeritus Professor of the History of Christianity at the University of Cambridge
- Sir Mark Elder, British conductor who first conducted the Last Night of the Proms in 1987
- Daniel Kidane, British composer whose piece "Woke" opened the Last Night Of The Proms in 2019
- Nalini Ghuman, Elgar expert & musicologist whose research focuses on nationalism and identity
- Daniel Grimley, Professor of Music at the University of Oxford
- Andrew Neill, former Chairman of the Elgar Society
Presenter: Katie Derham
Producer: Fiona Clampin
Exec Producer: Jack Howson
Mix Engineer: Olga Reed
Additional Instrumental Music by: Thomas Scott
A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Radio 3
