A hymn that has attracted controversy for its patriotism, I Vow To Thee My Country was born just after the First World War.

Ralph Vaughan Williams had the inspirational idea to put together the stirring music from Holst's Jupiter movement and the poem written by American ambassador Sir Cecil Spring-Rice, which was found on his desk when he left office.

Featuring:

Raymond Head
David Burton
Bishop of Hulme, Stephen Lowe
Martin Linton
Battersea Singers
Julian Mitchell
Dr Martin Neary

Producer: Sara Conkey

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2006. Show less