![]() ![]() We are springing to the call of our brothers gone before… It’s a very simple concept, but it is so very crucial.Īfter the full statement by the woodwinds and horns, the key changes and the orchestration shifts to the brass, as they intone the next verse inspired by the following line of text: It is the most basic of rights – freedom - and its inalienability despite an individual’s social and economic status, religious beliefs, ethnicity or skin color. An entire race of people subjugated, for financial gain, to work and live without freedom and to be treated as subhuman, enduring some of the most horrific conditions. Although many will conjecture as to the reasons for the American Civil War, it is clear that slavery was the largest issue. To oppress anyone for any reason is morally reprehensible, and a country that endorses slavery is not holding true to one of the most important principals of its creation. This one line embodies seemingly everything this war and this country is built on - the concept that all men are created equal. This portion of the work is inspired by the following line of song’s text:Īnd although they may be poor, not a man shall be a slave… The melody is embellished only slightly with meager harmony before blossoming into a fuller statement with more expansive harmonies. The first full statement of the tune is presented by the solo clarinet and bassoon. Amidst this texture, brief solos by English horn, then French horn, introduce a fragment of the melody. These sounds are reminiscent of a distant memory of the sounds of bugles on the battlefield. The work begins by setting the musical atmosphere of staggered entrances in the winds of open intervals (4ths and 5ths) outlined by the harp and percussion. In my setting of this tune, I chose to treat the material differently than a typical march style as, it was conceived originally by the composer, instead drawing my inspiration from the more subtle aspects text. This work is a rousing call to arms, an anthem for stirring feelings of patriotism and devotion to the cause of freedom for all. The Battle Cry of Freedom is undoubtedly the most famous tune of Root’s wartime musical output of 35 songs. His songs The Vacant Chair, The First Gun is Fired and The Battle Cry of Freedom were huge hits, and not just for the North. One hundred and fifty years ago, while our great nation was divided and engaged in a war with itself, American composer and songwriter George Frederic Root of Illinois was creating some of the most iconic tunes of the era. (Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.) on the day of the program.Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)Ĭost: Score and Parts (print) - $90.00 | Score Only (print) - $10.00 Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. This free program is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Graham and Barbara Dean will sing his songs and Richard Meyers' slide presentation will show scenes from the Civil War and Mr. Ann-Elizabeth Barnes, his great-great-granddaughter, will narrate his life. Root's life and music as it pertains to the Civil War. This multi-media presentation follows Mr. His song, The Battle Cry of Freedom became perhaps the most universally sung patriotic song throughout the war years. George Frederick Root, whose life and work became defined by the Civil War, was born in Sheffield in 1820 and was at one time the most popular singer-songwriter in America. The Jewish Federation Connecting with Community program presents "Music in the Air: The Life and Music of George Frederick Root, A Berkshire County Native Son." ![]()
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