Category Archives: Music

Tears Bursting in Air: Michael Gandolfi’s 4-Verse Setting of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Posted on March 24, 2013 by usmusicscholar

At the close of Michael Gandolfi’s Chesapeake: Summer of 1814 the audiences rises with the instrumentalists and chorus to sing the first and best-known verse of Francis Scott Key’s “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Sitting in Row G, Seat 14 on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Arranging, Composers, Gandolfi, melody, Music, Spangled History | Leave a comment

Star Spangled Cantata—Michael Gandolfi’s Chesapeake: Summer of 1814

Posted on March 9, 2013 by usmusicscholar

On March 17 & 19, 2013 the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of music director Laura Jackson will premiere Chesapeake: Summer of 1814 by Boston-based composer Michael Gandolfi (b. 1956), written on an “historical design” by Dana Bonstrom … Continue reading →

Posted in Anacreontic Song, Arranging, Composers, Gandolfi, Hail Columbia, melody, Music, Patriotic Songs, Yankee Doodle | Leave a comment

“The Anacreontic Song”—British Source Tune for the U.S. National Anthem

Posted on February 27, 2013 by usmusicscholar

“The Anacreontic Song,” or “To Anacreon in Heaven” with words by Ralph Tomlinson and music by John Stafford Smith is the source for the tune Francis Scott Key had in mind when he composed the lyric “In Defence of Fort … Continue reading →

Posted in Banner Legends, Music, Mythbuster, Spangled History | 1 Comment

Adding a Beat to the Banner: Beyoncé, Whitney & the Magic of 4/4 Time

Posted on January 26, 2013 by usmusicscholar

The hubbub about Beyoncé’s “to lip synch or not” performance of the national anthem at Obama’s second inauguration aside, everyone I’ve spoken with and read LOVED her performance. Soul superstar Aretha Franklin told ABC News that Beyoncé “did a beautiful … Continue reading →

Posted in Arranging, Beyoncé, Football, melody, meter, Music, Performers, rhythm, Sports, Whitney Houston | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

A ‘World Premiere’ Recording of “The Star Spangled Banner”?

Posted on January 6, 2013 by usmusicscholar

It’s an audacious claim to offer the premiere recording of the United States National Anthem “The Star-Spangled Banner” in January 2013! Certainly, the song is already more than well known and often performed. It has been recorded by such vocal … Continue reading →

Posted in Arranging, melody, Music, rhythm, Spangled History | Leave a comment

My Star-Spangled Banner—A “Key” Tradition in Sports Today

Posted on February 10, 2011 by osaycanyouhear

CONTROVERSY Christina Aguilera’s bluesy ornamented version of Francis Scott Key’s “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl XLV has reignited controversy over appropriate performances of the national anthem of the United States. While it is her lyrical indiscretions that have sparked … Continue reading →

Posted in Controversy, Football, Lyrics, Music | Tagged | 3 Comments

Was “The Star-Spangled Banner” Really a Drinking Song?

Posted on January 24, 2011 by usmusicscholar

It’s not unusual to read online that the United States national anthem was a drinking song and, like many myths, this tale has a core of truth surrounded by misinformation. Yes—the lyric of “To Anacreon in Heaven,” upon which Francis … Continue reading →

Posted in Banner Legends, Drinking Song, Music, Mythbuster, Spangled History | Tagged | 4 Comments