The Fascinating History Of Patriotic Music

By Author: Rob Thomas
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Music is said to be a path or a connection to numerous abstract concepts such as love, hate, God and so on. One of those concepts include patriotism. Patriotic music is one such concept. It has the potential to play a vital role in every citizen's life. It is immaterial, which country a citizen may belong to. The music composed in this genre is is targeted specifically to arouse the nationalistic feelings of the native residents of a particular country. The music has a particular way of inducing certain feelings into soul which may enable a person to feel the spirit of triumph, or joy or hope or empowerment.

Patriotic music in America is no different. It has been a part of the history and cultural since the country originated in the 18th century. The music was put together as a way of endorsing sentiments of national pride and unity for the natives of America. The songs have been played in various forms such as military themes, hymns, national songs and so on. Most of the songs are inspired by the four major wars fought in the American history. They were the War of 1812, the American Civil War, the American Revolution ...
... and the Spanish American War. They are also played on major holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day and the Veteran Day.

During the American Civil War, both the North and South came up with numerous composition to rouse the feelings of patriotism and battle. A couple of wars fought on the American soil inspired memorable songs. For instance, the American Revolution, has provided inspiration for three songs- "God Save the King", "Yankee Doodle" and "British Grenadiers". The present day national anthem of America, "Star Spangled Banner" was composed during the War of 1812 by Francis Scott Key.

Like every other song or music, patriotic music has its own colorful and fascinating history. Most of these songs of patriotism have some history behind their composition. Listed below are some patriotic songs and their history:

Star Spangled Banner- This song was composed by Francis Scott Key post the War of 1812. There are four stanzas in this song, usually the first stanza is performed. The melody of the song is inspired from an English song "To Anacreon in Heaven".

Rally Round the Flag- This song was composed by George F. Root in 1862. The song as composed for the Union Army and was widely sung in the North.

Battle Hymn of the Republic- This song was composed by Julia H. Howe 1861. The song was set to a camp meeting tune. The song was played at the funerals of Robert Kennedy, Winston Churchill and Ronald Reagan.

America (My Country 'Tis of Thee)- This song was composed by Samuel F Smith in 1832. It gained popularity in Britain as "God Save the Queen" but later became bi-continental. A R-B rendition was performed by Ray Charles which made the song popular amongst the audience of this century.
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