Abraham Lincoln was born on this date in 1809. They sure don’t make ‘em like they used to.
James Earl Jones in Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait”
Roy Harris (born on this date in 1898), Symphony No. 6 “Gettysburg”
Paul Turok, “Variations on an American Song: Aspects of Lincoln and Liberty”
Happy Presidents Day.
Paul Turok composed his “Variations on an American Song: Lincoln and Liberty” in 1963. The melody is based on a traditional Irish fiddle tune, “Rosin the Bow,” which was outfitted with new lyrics for use in Lincoln’s 1859 presidential campaign.
“Then up with our banner so glorious,
The star-spangled red-white-and-blue,
We’ll fight till our Cause is victorious,
For Lincoln and Liberty, too!”
IMAGE: With Marvel malice toward all! If only…
Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday observed).
Here are two pieces of music I was unable to fit into my five-hour presidential salute the other morning (in honor of Lincoln’s birthday) on WPRB 103.3 FM.
“McKonkey’s Ferry (Washington at Trenton)”, by Trenton’s own George Antheil:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dROk2QXrFOs
“Aspects of Lincoln and Liberty,” variations on an 1860 campaign song, by Paul Turok:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XHBMEqCmIQ
A couple of ditties to carry with you as you head out to the white sales.
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