17:30
Gresham College
December 12
This festive lecture explores the unusual roots of the song ‘White Christmas’ and its role in establishing the concept of the commercial Christmas song. It explains how the song’s release during the summer months hints at how its potential as an enduring seasonal classic was not anticipated, and then examine how the music and lyrics helped it to resonate in a time of war. The lecture also considers Berlin’s patriotism and his active role in the Second World War.
Professor Broomfield-McHugh will be joined by actress Beverley Klein in live performances of songs by Irving Berlin