National Anthem, the
National Anthem, the.The first recorded public performance of ‘God Save the King’ took place at Drury Lane Theatre on 28 Sept. 1745 , during the excitement and alarm caused by the Jacobite invasion of that year. It was an unannounced addition by the actors to the ordinary programme of the day. The score used on this occasion was prepared by Arne , leader of the orchestra at the theatre and composer of ‘Rule , Britannia’. The example set at Drury Lane was followed at other theatres and the song was soon very popular. It became customary about 1747 or 1748 to greet the king with it when he entered a place of public entertainment. In George III's reign it figured as a political battle-song in connection with the regency troubles and later during the dissensions aroused by the French Revolution. It was sung at the coronation banquet of George IV and the description of it as ‘National Anthem’ appears to have been adopted early in...
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