The Star Spangled Banner

[jaigner]

That is true. But it does sound very nice when played by a marching band or an orchestra IMO.

I'll give you that. It's a very stately tune.

 

[Salty]

So has anybody learned the words lately?

 

[David Lamb]

I can't think of any hymns off the top of my head that are more difficult than the SSB.

It has a range of over an octave and a half. It requires a low Bb and a high F if sung in the normal key. Move it up or down even a half step and it makes it nearly impossible for untrained voices. This should be obvious by how often it is butchered when sung at sporting events and alike. I'm still not certain why that has to happen.

America the Beautiful has a much more melodic line that is, not easy, but much easier than the SSB. Plus, it's a prayer hymn and not overtly militaristic, which makes it more appropriate for any type of Christian gathering.

I am not in a position to give a view about the words of each, as I am British. But musically, I agree with Jaigner.

The pitch range of "The Star-Spangled Banner" goes from B-flat just below middle C, to F over an octave and a half higher, and is a huge one. Offhand, I can't think of a hymn tune with a range as large as that. The music for "America the Beautiful" has a range of just over an octave.

I would agree also that the melodic line of "America the Beautiful" flows more naturally than that of SSB.

And I say that, even though the music for SSB was written by a British composer, John Stafford Smith, not for the US national anthem, but for an English drinking song, "To Anacreon in Heav'n"

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I am not in a position to give a view about the words of each, as I am British. But musically, I agree with Jaigner.

The pitch range of "The Star-Spangled Banner" goes from B-flat just below middle C, to F over an octave and a half higher, and is a huge one. Offhand, I can't think of a hymn tune with a range as large as that. The music for "America the Beautiful" has a range of just over an octave.

I would agree also that the melodic line of "America the Beautiful" flows more naturally than that of SSB.

And I say that, even though the music for SSB was written by a British composer, John Stafford Smith, not for the US national anthem, but for an English drinking song, "To Anacreon in Heav'n"

Drinking song eh.....then I like all the more! Probably sounds better after a coupla pints. :love2:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Anacreon_in_Heaven

 

[billwald]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Anacreon_in_Heaven

 

[Bro. James]

Bombs bursting in air

An interesting bit of military trivia: The fifth line of SSB: " And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air..."

The bombs were not supposed to burst in the air. Apparently, the British Ammo Ministry were having quality control problems with their bomb fuses--the burn rate was very unpredictable--bursting in flight instead of on target. They may have damaged some eardrums but not many ramparts and walls.

We have had a system called: Assault Breaker, not unlike the older "grapeshot; but "airbursts" would have a use in tactical nuclear scenarios.

The SSB can still makes tears in eyes of those who defend the U.S. Constitution--uniformed or otherwise.

Peace,

Bro. James