Battle Hymn of the Republic - Washington National Cathedral

[heartfire451]

To me this song literally is America. And is a song that has so much spiritual and metaphysical meaning to it. If you really read the lyrics to the full 6 verse version you realize the incredible spiritual depth and meaning to it. I think maybe Julia Ward Howe Channeled the lyrics right from the heavenly realms or something. I know the Melody was John Brown's Body and goes back some time before the Howe Lyrics. Pipe organs are a gift from god too if you ask me.

[fabrianici]

I'm sorry, but I don't like the way how that wonderful hymn is performed: the drums are terrible - that doesn't fit into a mass (even if it is a patriotic one). The pipe is way too loud so you cannot hear anything of the orchestra (and it's more than unnecessary to just play some loud continous tenuto tones - I would get a tinnitus on my ears). And the final is absolutely inappropriate: that sounds like the end of the oscar awards or a big blockbuster movie - and not like a bow to the victims.

[malestock]

I remember watching this right after 9/11. But this video is different than what was aired on live on C-SPAN. I remember during the (live) broadcast the cameras would change or alternate to live shots of the firefighters & rescue teams @ Ground Zero digging through the rubble... As soon as I saw that, in conjunction with the music, I totally lost it.

[kcmurphy88]

It would be much better in synch

[jaram2006]

I watch this video every year on 9/11. Powerful!  God bless America!

[kevlutu]

@09WestTexas; That had to be awesome! It has been my privilige to listen to some of my friends that happen to be organists' while practicing on a Sat. morning at the organ in the empty Churches that they play for,several are Lutheran and other Denominations. I happen to belong to Sacred Heart of Jesus PNCC. Located in Minneapolis, Mn. Most of my most cherished memories are of the hours spent listening to them, and how best I felt after that. I hope that GOD continues to bless you. kevlutu

[09WestTexas]

heartfire451 A sound you would not believe, especially with the Cathedral empty. I was blessed to have had it at my disposal for about 5 years when I served as pastor to the Polish National Catholic parish that worship there in the Bethlehem Chapel several years ago. Doug Major, the organist, an old friend of mine, allowed me to paly the organ when the Cathedral was closed. I spent many happy hours at that magnificant organ console.

[donaldsunpan]

10 years on...........now ends

[amtranboy]

Thank you for posting. A day that we will never forget. God Bless America.

[heartfire451]

That pipe organ must be unbelievable to hear live.

[caseyflorida]

@heartfire451 It is. I lived in Washington DC and had the privilege of hearing it many times. My most memorable experience was attending a service commemorating the anniversary of the Marine Corps. The entire prelude was played by a brass choir from the Marine Band (no organ). It was fantastic. But then, we first heard the organ for the National Anthem which began the service. The opening notes of the National Anthem at full organ made my hair stand on end and brought tears to my eyes.

[bombarde1701a]

@heartfire451 It is...Ive heard it and been near it...

[march131958]

@heartfire451 It is wonderful. It does need some work. I email the organists at W.N.C. and they claim it is tuned every week. Not sure how the earthquake made any difference. The building is,as of this email,still is not open...very sad.