Chapter 13 Notes

 After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, patriotic music became a permanent feature of memorial services for men and women who were victims of the attacks.  “God Bless America”  Why would this song have become so popular for 9/11 victims?  Listen (#1)

 “Taps”: a song frequently heard at memorial services for uniformed personnel. Typically performed by a single trumpet or bugle player.  Was first played during the civil war.  Simple melody, based on the natural “open” overtones.  Listen (Perform)  What are the emotions that you feel when you hear “taps”. Why? 

 Memorial services for police and firefighters killed in the line of duty often feature bagpipe music.  Scottish tradition, brought over by immigrants, many of whom found work as police and fire fighters.  Drone: a continuous note of fixed pitch serving as permanent bass.  “Amazing Grace”  Commonly performed at funerals  Written around 1770, origins unknown  Listen and Compare (#3)

 When a national leader dies, the nation gathers in honor of his or her legacy.  John F. Kennedy Assassination  November 22, 1963  Two musical selections were used during his funeral:  “Marche Funebre (Funeral March) by Chopin  Played as a horse-drawn carriage carried the president’s coffin to Arlington National Cemetery  “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” – The Navy Hymn  Played to recognize his bravery as a naval lieutenant during World War II  Listen (#4)  Listen (#5)

 The New Orleans Funeral Parade  Since 1820, a custom of New Orleans is to have a parade in honor of the deceased.  Dirge: a slow, mournful hymn or lament.  Watch the Video (#6)

 Spirituals sung by enslaved African Americans speak of the promise land.  Some had double meanings to communicate about escape plans.  “Promise Land” could mean heaven or the North to freedom.  Listen (#9)

 On August 31, 1997, Princess Diana Spence of Wales was killed in a car crash in Paris.  Funeral was internationally televised.  Elton John performed a special rendition of his song “Candle in the Wind” at the ceremony.  Origionally composed as a eulegy for Marilyn Monroe.  New version changed a lyric from “Goodbye Norma Jean” to “Goodbye England’s Rose”.  Contrafactum: a compositional technique to an existing melody. 