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My favorite recording of the SSB.  By Margaret Woodrow Wilson, daughter of the president and in her own right First Lady of the United States.  She campaigned actively to have the Star Spangled Banner declared the official National Anthem of the United States. 

In this 1915 recording she shows off by singing the word "free" in the reprise of the second verse both on the note, and then an octave higher.  This has become the standard by which singers of the National Anthem are judged and has plagued vocalists for nearly 100 years now. 

#2026695 - 02/04/1304:23 AMRe: Yamaha grand in the middle of the football field :-)
[Re: Mark_C]

stores
6000 Post Club Member
Registered: 12/28/09
Posts: 6651
Loc: Here, as opposed to there

I'm sorry, but that was a terrible anthem.  I had to cringe a time or two, in fact.  I am so often left wondering how some have made such a name for themselves while so much talent lie elsewhere unheard.  Such a tragedy. 

_________________________

"And if we look at the works of J.S. Bach â€” a benevolent god to which all musicians should offer a prayer to defend themselves against mediocrity... -Debussy

_________________________
"I don't play accurately - anyone can play accurately - but I play with wonderful expression.  As far as the piano is concerned, sentiment is my forte.  I keep science for Life." 

#2028262 - 02/06/1305:38 PMRe: Yamaha grand in the middle of the football field :-)
[Re: Orange Soda King]

didyougethathing
500 Post Club Member
Registered: 10/08/11
Posts: 548
Loc: New York

Originally Posted By: Orange Soda King

I've never particularly cared for Alicia Keys. 

Me either.  Jennifer Hudson on the other hand...

On a related note, did anyone (that watched) notice the two pieces they blended together in one of the Coca-Cola commercials?  They used the famous violin solo from Rimsky's Scheherezade, which led into the amazing part right before the ending of Saint-Saens' Bacchanale.  Just thought it was neat, since I was obsessed with those two pieces as a kid. 

I think that was the slowest, saddest rendition of the star spangled banner I've ever heard.  Not what I'd call inspirational! 

I liked it, although I would have liked to hear more rubato within the phrases too. 

And actually, here's a famous old slower one, also at a sports event.  I think it was the first prominent "individual" interpretation of the anthem. 

Amazing what can happen when a few people who are in a position to force the national discourse one way or the other, actually do so (as is so often the case...).  I remember 1968.  It means so much more to me, now. ( The concept of 15 mins.  of fame has its apex, does it not?  Was this Jose's apex?  Loved "Light my fire," BTW.  Heard it on vinyl on a HiFi, back in the day... (when it first came out).) 

I think that was the slowest, saddest rendition of the star spangled banner I've ever heard.  Not what I'd call inspirational! 

I liked it, although I would have liked to hear more rubato within the phrases too. 

And actually, here's a famous old slower one, also at a sports event.  I think it was the first prominent "individual" interpretation of the anthem. 

Amazing what can happen when a few people who are in a position to force the national discourse one way or the other, actually do so (as is so often the case...).  I remember 1968.  It means so much more to me, now. ( The concept of 15 mins.  of fame has its apex, does it not?  Was this Jose's apex?  Loved "Light my fire," BTW.  Heard it on vinyl on a HiFi, back in the day...)

I think this is also an outstanding example of, "It's not just 'modern' artists who change the National Anthem." 

_________________________
Every day we are afforded a new chance.  The problem with life is not that you run out of chances.  In the end, what you run out of are days. 

"I watch every Super Bowl because you see, um, I have no religion, and, uh, I think it's important for man to have a ritual, and the Super Bowl takes place on Sunday, and that's when most people gather to worship, so I, in a way, am trying... And, just before the game starts, I say, 'Thank God.' 

"I really watch the Super Bowl for the half time show, because, you could go into a coma for a year, and wake up and watch the half time show, and it will tell you *ALL!*  you need to know about how-- far-- down-- America-- is-- in-- the-- S.H*TTER!!!" 

If you don't care whether or not you fall down the YouTube rabbit hole, then follow the links.  It is a LONG mult-part rant.  Very validating.  Or, at least, very instructive.