IS “RULE BRITANNIA” OBSOLETE?

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1930, Page 7

IS “RULE BRITANNIA” OBSOLETE?

(Auckland Star)

The Mayor of that delightful Yorkshne spa narrogate, Mr Annakin, has dedaied that “Rule Britannia” is out of date, and because Arne's famous song was on the programme, lie refused to attend the local Empire Day gathering; nor will ho appear at any i unction where it is sung, and lie must see the programme before lie attends future patriotic and other meetmgs. it is clouolv interesting to learn that his Worship is Mrs Pmiip Snowden’s father, winch one would think a fair claim to fame by itself. The Annakins are noted for their fearless attitude on certain political questions, and the latest ban is charaeterestic—a deep sincerity lying behind the whole incident in all likelihood.

After nearly two centuries, however, Dr. Arne’s song wears exceedingly well. Wagner said a trifle ambiguously that the first eight notes of “Rule Britannia” contain the whole character of the English people I The song appeared in the “Masque of Alfred,” which was first performed at Clielden House, the residence of Frederick, Prince of Wales, on August 1, 1740. The occasion was the commemoration of the accession of George 1., as well as the birthday of the young Princess Augusta, The composers of the words of the “Masque” were Thomson and Mallet, but Thomson seems to have tuken the lead in the affair, as lie alone is mentioned in the newspapers of the day as the author, although in the book the name of Mallet is given as well, It it son attributes the authorship of the song to Thomson, but a claim, which cannot lie substantiated, has been made for Mallet as the author, says Baring-Gould. In the original there were but three stanzas, .and three more were added by Lord Bolingbroke. But the words (in spite of Mr Annakin) are of less import than the tunc, which was comoosed by Dr. Arne, who wrote all the music for the “Masque.” He afterwards altered this into an opera, and it was performed at Drury Lane Theatre on March 20, 1745, .for the benefit of Airs Arne. This lady, whose maiden name was Cecila Young, sang ‘or the first time in public at Drury Lane in 1730. With a good natural voice, she i had been ;so well taught that her style of singing was infinitely superior to that of any other Englishwoman of her time. The song “Rule Britannia” became a favourite with the Jacobite party, which produced a version altered and adapted to their views.

The following is an interesting, extract from the “Times” of October 3. 1798, when the news of Nelson’s victory in the Battle of the Nile reached England: Drury Lane : After the play the news of Admiral Nelson’s glorious victory produced exultation that has been rarely witnessed in a theatre. “Rule Britannia” was unanimously called for from everv part of the house, and Messrs. Kelly. Dianum, Sedge wick. Miss Leak and Mrs Band came forward and sang it, accompanied by members of the audience. It was called for anc 1 sung a second time. The acclamations were the loudest and most fervent we ever witnessed. 1

If ’Wagner thought that the first eight notes portrayed the vigour, resolution and eternal greatness of the English character, what matter tht views of the mayors of inland watering places and fathers-in-law of Chancellors of the Exchequer ? The songs of Arne, “ Blow, Blow. Thou Winter Wind,” “ Where the Bee Sucks,” “ The Lass With the Delicate Air,” and the rest, tell us what we most like to know of their composer. His placid, contented existence was passed in one corner of London (save two years in Ireland), he was always industriously employed, and, for a musician, comfortably off. His uneventful life of sixty-eight years came to an end in 1778, and his only monument, which is in St, Paul’s Church. Convent Garden, . is embellished, quaintly, with a stave of “Rule Britannia.” -KARL ATKINSON.