Jacob York posted a status asking about moments in songs that turn the corner from good song to great song and I thought about this one immediately. Heres my reason: Showing my band nerd roots here: https://youtube/watch?v=D-aM13m5JXs The song is American Elegy. It was written in response to the Columbine shootings. The composer, Frank Ticheli, didnt want just another song about sadness and loss. He wanted a song about rising together out of a tragedy, and standing again. This song pretty much always makes me cry when heard live. I should also note before continuing that Ticheli also wrote Columbine a school song, which he musically quotes a lot during the piece. The first time I head the piece was when my brothers all state band played it under the directon of Ticheli, and they sang the school song before playing the piece. Its long, and the whole thing is beautiful, but there is definitely a moment for me that pushes me over the edge to pure emotion. The first, at about 7 min in, is one of the quotes of the school song. The music swells, and the whole band plays it in unison. Then, as the band calms down, a solo trumpet takes the melody. Traditionally, this trumpet is either off stage or in a balcony. Its etherial and a beautiful homage to those who lost their life in the tragedy. I tend to go back to this piece any time theres unspeakable tragedy, and I have trouble understanding how to keep feeling hope. So, my question to you, facebook: What song do you go back to again and again for support?
Posted on: Fri, 22 Aug 2014 23:49:30 +0000
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