Veterans Day 2011: Adagio for Brass

Independence Day is annually celebrated on July 4 and is often known as "the Fourth of July". It is the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776. Patriotic displays and family events are organized throughout the United States. Many people display the American flag on their homes. The celebrations have deep roots in the American tradition of political freedom.

You probably recognize this popular song that has played in countless films and TV productions. Adagio for Strings, composed by Samuel Barber, has also been arranged for choral performances. More recently I found the robust brass arrangement and it has haunted me to do something more with it. My journey in life took me to the Capitol and I would like to think what you see and hear are a perfect fit.

Honor Air is an effort to charter flights to the National Mall bringing war veterans to see the memorials. Even though he served during WWII, my Grandfather who is 94 chose not to go because he didn't want to take the seat of a veteran who saw combat. Part of the reason I produced this piece was to bring the monuments to him.

Your comments are appreciated.

The U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday, he said

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with lots of pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations"

PRESIDENT LINCOLN, hearing that a mother had given five sons to the Union army, and that all of them had been killed on the battlefield, wrote her the following letter of sympathy :

"EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, Nov. 2I, 1864. " To MRS. BIXBY, BOSTON, MASS.

" Dear Madam—I have been shown, in the files of the War Department, a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which shall attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom. Yours very sincerely and respectfully, A. LINCOLN."

Similar to the following:
Brass Theater with the Canadian Brass, 1995. Adagio for Strings-Barber - Triangle Youth Brass Band with alumni play a concert in May 2005. On this concert was this version of Adagio for Strings. The band was about 75 players, all brass in the British style - British Brass Band Layout - French Horn - Canadian Brass performs the Adagio at Three Rivers Community College - Brass Quintet - Trombone

Month of the Military Child
Army Reserves Birthday
Arbor Day
National Military Appreciation Month
Loyalty Day
National Day of Prayer
V-E Day
Military Spouse Day
Peace Officer's Day
Defense Transportation Day
Armed Services Day

Category:

Music

Tags:

• National
• Mall
• Memorial
• Parks
• Capitol
• Monuments
• Arlington
• Cemetery
• Tomb
• Unknown
• Soldier
• Samuel
• Barber
• Adagio
• for
• Strings
• Brass
• Military
• Funeral
• Independence
• Veterans
• Day
• November
• 11
• 2011
• Tribute
• America
• American
• Flag
• United
• States
• Patriot
• Patriotic
• Marine
• Honor
• Guard
• Lincoln
• Korea
• Korean
• Ulysses
• Grant
• War
• Veitnam
• Three
• Servicemen
• Women
• Unknowns
• Amphitheater
• Constitution
• Freedom
• virginia
• washington

[Frenchhorn211]

Amazing piece! I have never heard it played by a brass group before. Who is playing? they are really good.

[ziocody]

@Frenchhorn211 the copy I have is from a friend I am long out of contact with. I've done some searching on the net and I am not able to locate a good place to purchase this track. This recording plays very similar to the Canadian Brass version using the trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium and tuba. Search for them here on youtube. I'll keep digging but my studio perfect performace is proving hard to track down.

[cmkawacs]

From a Veteran, I applaud and salute you. Well Done. Many Thanks.

[thedetectivebm]

Being a retired Marine, this was done beautifully. Thank you for sharing. Semper Fi to my brothers and sisters.

[voiceforveterans]

To the fearless men and women in uniform, all respect and gratitude for you all. Long live the veterans!

[j2011m23]

I LOVE YOU ALL OF AMERICANS IN MY HEARTFULLY ?

[crazykidmanperson]

@cindys1969 could you send me the file? I can't use mp3rocket on here...I would love to have this mp3!

[cindys1969]

I found it! on MP3 Rocket...just type in Adagio for Brass in the search box and it will appear as the first title....its absolutely beautiful....I had to have it and downloaded it. Thank you for this incredible find....and to all who have served and continue to....THANK YOU! for all you do and continue to do.

[JetMech72]

Thank You.

[Nanjing03]

Thank you for this video from me and my wife -- both veterans, Navy and Air Force respectively. I wish my World War II Army veteran father was still alive. I would send it to him. We will forward it to my father-in-law, retired from the US Public Health Service with active duty call-up service in the 91 Persian Gulf War. Happy Veterans Day all -- and God Bless you.

[soco13466]

@MrKevinthebigboss God bless you.

[ez1600]

Airborne!

[antonioemssss]

@ziocody to me it sounds like DCI Blast. Just has the brass sound a drum corps. Its beautiful though.

[shadowflare2255]

My Girlfriend Said America Sucks.

She's Single Now.