Can music be patriotic without being bombastic? Must all patriotic music (think Star Spangled Banner) be military in reference? Of course not. Today’s show, in memory of the victims of 9/11, strives to show a more reflective, thoughtful side of patriotism, as composed by George Antheil, Charles Ives, and Walter Smith III.
Charles Ives drew from a chaotic and almost absurdist array of folk tunes, spirituals, college drinking songs, and 19th century transcendental philosophy to create his understated Second Symphony. George Antheil went for a more direct approach, illustrating Washington’s crossing of the Delaware with entertaining forthrightness. Walter Smith III and Laurent Coq crafted a meticulously detailed jazz album based on Lafayette’s adventures in America.
American Highways # 24
Playlist:
Theme Music :
Steve Reich. The Desert Music (1984)
First Movement (Fast).
Chorus of the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Members of the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Michael Tilson Thomas & William Carlos Williams.
Nonesuch Records 79101.
Walter Smith III
General George Washington
Laurent Coq, piano; Walter Smith III, tenor sax; Joe Sander, basses; Damion Reid, drums.
Jazz & People J PCD815003
George Antheil
McKonkey’s Ferry
“Washington At Trenton” – A Concert Overture
Theodore Kuchar conducting the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine
Naxos 8.559033
Charles Ives
Symphony #2
1. Andante Moderato (6:18)
2. Allegro (14:03)
3. Adagio Cantabile (8:36)
4. Lento Maestoso (2:23)
5. Allegro Molto Vivace (10:20)
Kenneth Schermerhorn: Nashville Symphony Orchestra
Naxos 8.559076