The Star-Spangled Banner

Today, November 8th, is Election Day.

After what has been one of the most unusual presidential campaigns in American history, it is time for Americans to make their choice for the next president.

I could not help but feel the need to play something to commemorate the importance of the event, but couldn't decide just what to do. Yesterday morning, this suddenly came to mind.

It was also triggered by listening to the singing/playing of the National Anthem at many sporting events. Times when you are trapped and forced to listen to some performer do "their take" on our national song, and often being enraged at just how awful or ridiculous the "version" you are hearing can be.

This is not "the answer" to that. It's just "another version," but hopefully, this one will meet with your approval!

It is arranged by the famous Virgil Fox (1912-1980), and comes from the book, "At the Organ with Virgil Fox," published by H.W. Gray in 1994, and still easily purchased.

The arrangement is one typical of Fox, especially with its use of the several 2-part pedal solos, and flamboyant trumpet calls. It is a brief, but "telling" arrangement, that really gets the most from the music, and in a style and manner that is typical of the the way Fox communicated with his audience.

The music was composed by John Stafford Smith (1750-1836), Organist of the Chapel Royal in London, and the son of Martin Smith, a former organist of Gloucester Cathedral.

A photo of the original "Star-Spangled banner" is attached, as is a photo of the memorial to John Stafford Smith in Gloucester Cathedral.

If you'd like to read more about the creation of the words and their joining to the music, here is an excellent page worth reading: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Star-Spangled_Banner

What an honor and a privilege we have to make our own voices heard. I encourage ALL of my fellow Americans to make SURE that they get out and vote!

God bless America!

Let freedom ring!!!