On Aug 29, 2004, at 8:54 AM, Chuck Israels wrote:
"America the Beautiful" for one - a lovely tune with a good "arch" of melody that still stays in a range that is easy to sing, offers good possibilities for harmony, and has non bellicose words; "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" - easy to sing, everyone knows it (if you need something militaristic); "This Land Is Your Land" - I know, too simple, and maybe even a simple minded idea, but still a good idea. Seriously, I think the first choice would suit me fine.
The Battle Hymn is not just militaristic, but also explicitly religious. I'm sure that would be a problem for many.
Personally, I don't think the Star-Spangled Banner is nearly so bad as others complain. I think both the text and the tune are fine; my only complaint is that the one is a bad fit for the other. But I'd be fine with AtB as anthem, too.
I love the Battle Hymn, by the way, mostly because the poetry is so gorgeous. I'm not fond of religious zealotry in real life, but that doesn't stop me from appreciating the song. My favorite line is probably the most religious of all. ("As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free" -- beautiful!) I wouldn't have survived 15 years in opera choruses if I had a problem with singing bellicose anthems....
mdl
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