Rule (out) Britannia!
With COVID-19 tearing apart our social calendar, we look with even more enthusiasm towards what few events remain open for live streaming. One of the UK’s cultural highlights going digital during this pandemic is the BBC Proms, an annual celebration of orchestral music from London’s Royal Albert Hall. However, controversy has been sparked over the BBC’s decision to strip the lyrics from Rule, Britannia! and Land of Hope and Glory , choosing to play orchestral versions instead. Why? Well it has been alleged that the conductor of this year’s finale, Dalia Stasevska, thought COVID-19 restrictions would provide a good opportunity for change. For these songs, with their rousing melodies and rhythmic tunes, contain an uncomfortable message. As the hearty chorus chime together with “Rule, Britannia! Britannia, rule the waves! Britons never, never, never shall be slaves,” audiences resurrect Britain’s defiance to falling under French rule during the Second Hundred Years War during which this s...