Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2017 9:21 am Post subject: Anthem
While I was glad to hear a solo trumpet do the National
Anthem and Jessie McGuire did a fine enough job, I thought the rhythmic integrity and inconsistent tempo fluctuations were distracting. Ornamentation of any kind is not my choice but some are done with more taste than others.
Yes the SSB was based on a beer drinking song melody....but today it should be performed with respect and not as an opportunity for the performer to "show off" and alter the melody. There are many vocal ensemble and instrumental arrangements available that are creative but still show dignity and respect for the flag and our country. Unfortunately IMHO they are used only about 10% of the time at the athletic events and concert I attend or watch/listen to on television. I keep the "mute" button handy and often only make it through 3 or 4 notes.
The Anacreontic Song
To Anacreon in Heaven, where he sat in full glee,
A few sons of harmony sent a petition,
That he their inspirer and patron would be;
When this answer arrived from the jolly old Grecian:
Voice, fiddle, and flute, no longer be mute,
I'll lend you my name and inspire you to boot
And besides I'll instruct you like me to intwine
The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine.
Bill Dishman
Gainesville, Florida
–Words by Ralph Tomlinson, music by John Stafford Smith, about 1775.
Didn't we go down this road last week when
we compared Tommy Loy and Jesse McGuire ?
I actually prefer Tommy Loy's version.
For reasons that Bill Dishman pointed out.
But that is nothing more than my opinion.
....but today it should be performed with respect and not as an opportunity for the performer to "show off" and alter the melody. There are many vocal ensemble and instrumental arrangements available that are creative but still show dignity and respect for the flag and our country. Unfortunately IMHO they are used only about 10% of the time at the athletic events and concert I attend or watch/listen to on television. I keep the "mute" button handy and often only make it through 3 or 4 notes.
The genius of this version is that it shares nothing with A-list pop singers dedicated to altering the melody with a suitcase of personal touches that too often requires the mute button. Tempo variance if done in the right place has a way of emphasizing lyrics underpinned to the melody vs. :: cadence calling to mind a marching band, or metronome feel of one bar followed by the next.
Grace notes are likely a signature for him, although how much ornament they add is dubious. Jimmy Hendrix at one time created a big splash and way past grace notes, but the baton has been passed and it's less 'far out' today than for ex., Alicia Keys. Thus, praise be on high to have the trumpet not in the hands of a college freshman. What we hear is a mature, adult presentation.
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