![]() ![]() It had originally been suggested the songs may be performed as orchestral versions, which the BBC said had been and “artistic decision”, as the coronavirus pandemic meant they could not have a mass group of singers. Mr Dowden posted on Twitter that the songs were “highlights” of the Proms, adding that he shared “concerns of many about their potential removal and have raised this with has since been announced that the two songs will be sung by a “select group of BBC singers” after all. Share concerns of many about their potential removal and have raised this with forward-looking nations don’t erase their history, they add to it Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory are highlights of the Last Night of the Proms While many others echoed his views, there was also a backlash to the idea of the songs being dropped, with members of the government wading into the debate.”Ĭulture Secretary Oliver Dowden was among those to show support for the songs to be played at The Proms. It is about saying what songs we want to represent Britain. If – and it’s a big if – if we want an anti-racist Britain, then these songs should totally not be celebrated at the Proms.” ![]() “It is totally inappropriate to have this song, it is not about banning and censorship. Speaking on Good Morning Britain, he said: “Some songs, particularly those two… this is racist propaganda which celebrates the British Empire which killed tens of millions of people. Mr Andrews said on Twitter: “Empire rightly crumbled decades ago and so should the nation’s fascination with songs celebrating it.” Some critics described the songs as “racist propaganda” including Kehinde Andrews, Professor of Black Studies at Birmingham University. The Sunday Times had reported that conductor Dalia Stasevska believed it was time “to bring change” to the Royal Albert Hall, though she has since denied any role in a decision to sideline the songs. It was originally rumoured that Land of Hope and Glory and Rule, Britannia! might not be performed at the Last Night of the Proms this year, amid the coronavirus pandemic and in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. Why is there controversy around the songs being performed at the proms? It is also traditionally performed at the Last Night of the Proms to a flag-waving audience. ![]() Others, however, see the song as patriotic as it is often played at moments of celebration such as at the end of World War II. The British Empire was heavily involved in the slave trade at the time the song was written and some say the lyrics suggest Britons have superiority over those from other lands. These words suggest that while Britons’ won’t be enslaved, those from other nations can be, according to critics. Other lyrics that have been a source of controversy are “Britons never, never, never will be slaves.” Many believe songs such as this, celebrating the empire and its perceived links to colonialism and slavery are no longer appropriate. The song became more patriotic in the 1800s when the British Empire expanded across more of the world.Īccording to Historic UK, the lyrics changed in Victorian times from ‘Britannia, rule the waves’ to ‘Britannia rules the waves’, as the Royal Navy gained more dominance of the waters. However, according to Classic FM, when the piece was first written it was not celebrating naval success but instead “a cry for help” as the Royal Navy at that time did not have much control over the seas, while other countries were establishing empires. The song has military connections, particularly with the Royal Navy, made evident by the words “Britannia, rule the waves”. ![]()
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