Drop the Needle - The American Revolution
Folk Music from the British Isles, The US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, John Gay, and Sacred Harp
Thank you for being a valued subscriber of Drop the Needle!
Your unwavering support is truly inspiring and keeps our passion for music literature and repertoire alive. We couldn't do it without you!
If you know someone who shares our love for the enchanting world of music, we encourage you to spread the word. Share Drop the Needle with them and let them indulge in the captivating articles, insightful literature, and mesmerizing repertoire we offer.
Together, let's create a community of music enthusiasts, where the magic of melodies and the power of words intertwine.
Once again, thank you for being a part of Drop the Needle Nation. Your dedication fuels our creative endeavors, and we're grateful to have you on this melodious journey.
The music of Colonial and Revolutionary America was heavily influenced by the rich tapestry of tunes and traditions that settlers brought from the British Isles. One of the most enduring of these is the ballad Barbara Allen, a poignant tale of unrequited love and regret that resonated deeply with our forebears and continues to do so today.
Barbara Allen traces its roots back to 17th century England and Scotland. Its earliest known reference in print is from Samuel Pepys's diary in 1666, where he refers to it as a "little Scotch song." By the time of the American Revolution, the ballad had made its way across the Atlantic, where it quickly became a staple of colonial music-making.
The song tells the story of a young man, sick with love for the beautiful Barbara Allen, who spurns his affections and only realizes her own love for him when it’s too late. His death and her subsequent remorse lend the song a tragic weight that is made all the more poignant by its haunting melody.
In the diverse musical environment of Revolutionary America, Barbara Allen was sung in parlors, taverns, and on the battlefield. Its timeless themes of love, loss, and regret undoubtedly struck a chord in a nation at war, offering both an escape from and a reflection of the harsh realities of life.
Moreover, the ballad's melody was versatile, and it could be sung a cappella or accompanied by a variety of instruments. It could also be adapted to fit various musical styles, from the simple, unadorned singing style of ordinary folk, to the more sophisticated arrangements favored in the music halls of the larger cities.
Barbara Allen remains one of the most enduring folk songs from the colonial era, covered by artists as diverse as Dolly Parton, and Simon & Garfunkel. Its popularity in Revolutionary America and its continued relevance today speak to the song's timeless appeal and its crucial place in the tapestry of American music.
In a time of upheaval and uncertainty, the bittersweet strains of Barbara Allen offered comfort and connection, and they continue to do so, reminding us of the enduring power of music to reflect and shape our collective experience.
Folksong - Barbara Allen
YouTube Performance: Dolly Parton and Altan, from the album Live From Home, Columbia Records, 1994
Spotify Performance: Joan Baez
Calling All Music Enthusiasts: Become a Guest Contributor!
Attention all music aficionados!
Drop the Needle is seeking passionate individuals like yourself to contribute your unique thoughts and insights to our platform. If you have a deep understanding or fascinating perspectives on a particular genre, composer, or musical piece, we'd love to hear from you!
Share your expertise and become a guest contributor by sending us an email at arcanaaviation@gmail.com. Whether it's an analysis, a review, or an exploration of the intricacies of music, we eagerly await your valuable contribution.
Thank you in advance for sharing your musical wisdom with us. Together, let's enrich the minds of our readers and foster a vibrant community of music lovers.
The strains of folk music served as a significant backdrop to the landscape of Revolutionary America, with tunes crisscrossing the Atlantic and interweaving with the realities of life in the colonies. One such tune that captured the imaginations of the hearts of many was The Girl I Left Behind Me.
Originally from the British Isles, The Girl I Left Behind Me became widely popular in America during the Revolutionary War. It tells the tale of a man who leaves his beloved behind to head off to war, a poignant and resonant theme during a time when many young men were leaving their homes and families to fight for independence.
How young? It's generally accepted that some boys as young as 15 or 16 enlisted as soldiers. There were even some who were younger, though they often served in non-combat roles such as drummers or fifers. These young musicians played a crucial role in issuing commands on the battlefield. One famous example of a young participant in the war is Andrew Jackson. He served as a courier and was taken prisoner by the British at age 13
The melody of The Girl I Left Behind Me is catchy and easily memorable, contributing to its popularity. The tune was often played on fife and drum, and the soldiers would march to its rhythm. The song served not only as a reminder of the loved ones waiting at home, but also as a morale booster and a means of fostering camaraderie among the troops.
Of particular interest is how the melody of The Girl I Left Behind Me shares fragments with other popular tunes of the era, notably Yankee Doodle. In both cases, the melody is sprightly and engaging, offering a counterpoint to the often serious and somber lyrics. This cross-pollination of melodies is emblematic of the fluid and dynamic musical environment of the time, as tunes traveled, evolved, and intersected with one another.
The Girl I Left Behind Me, with its evocative melody and universally relatable theme, served as both solace and inspiration during the turmoil of the Revolutionary War. Its echoes in other tunes of the era remind us of the interconnected web of music during this period, reflecting the shared experiences, emotions, and hopes of a nation in the making.
Folksong - The Girl I Left Behind Me
YouTube Performance: 2nd South Carolina String Band
Spotify Performance: Nathan Hale Ancient Fifes and Drums
Are you eager to dive into the depths of curiosity? I'm thrilled to announce that later this year, we'll be hosting a captivating 'Ask Me Anything' issue, and I can't wait to answer your burning questions!
Tell me, what piques your interest? From the fascinating to the thought-provoking, I'm here to unravel the mysteries that captivate your mind.
To participate, simply leave your questions in the comments section below. Alternatively, you can email them directly to arcanaaviation@gmail.com. Get ready to embark on an enlightening journey of discovery!
Join our community of inquisitive minds and stay tuned for the much-anticipated 'Ask Me Anything' issue. Your curiosity knows no bounds—let's explore together!
As the colonies battled for independence, the importance of shared experiences, community bonding, and moments of joy became even more crucial. One significant outlet for these expressions was through music and dance, with the Scottish reel Money Musk playing a particularly prominent role.
Money Musk, a sprightly and infectious tune, originated in Scotland, making its way to the American colonies along with numerous other cultural imports. With its rhythmic complexity and lively tempo, it was a favorite at dances, balls, and social gatherings, prompting feet to tap and spirits to lift in even the most challenging times.
The tune's title is thought to come from Monymusk, a place in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, reflecting the strong Scottish influence in early American music and culture. The tune would typically accompany a three-person reel, or country dance, fostering a sense of community and shared experience as dancers wove patterns around each other.
The popularity of Money Musk in Revolutionary America can be seen as part of a broader interest in the country dances, reels, and jigs of the British Isles. Such dances offered a welcome respite from the hardships of daily life, serving as a powerful testament to the human spirit's resilience and the vital role of music in maintaining morale.
Of note, Money Musk continues to be a beloved part of American traditional music and dance today, frequently played at contra dances and fiddle gatherings. Its enduring appeal is a testament to its captivating rhythm and the communal spirit it fosters on the dance floor.
In the midst of the Revolutionary War's turbulence and uncertainty, the lively strains of Money Musk offered colonists a moment of joy and a sense of unity. Today, as we step in time to its rhythm, we also step into a shared history, connecting us with the generations that came before and reminding us of music's enduring power to bring people together.
YouTube Performance: Patti Kusturok’s 365 Days of Fiddle Tunes
Spotify Performance: Pa’s Fiddle Band
Steeped in tradition and patriotism, the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps serves as a living testament to America's musical heritage dating back to the Revolutionary War. This unique military unit, known for their striking red coats, white wigs, and tricorn hats, replicates the musical ensembles that accompanied troops during the struggle for independence, providing a glimpse into the soundscape of our nation's early history.
Established in 1960, the Corps forms part of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and is stationed at Fort Myer, Virginia. It is one of only four premier musical organizations within the United States Army, along with The United States Army Band, The United States Army Field Band, and The United States Military Academy Band.
The Corps uses the instruments of their 18th-century counterparts – the fife, bugle, and drum. These instruments were crucial in the Revolutionary War, not only for boosting morale but also for practical communication. They helped relay orders and signals in the cacophony of battle, where voices would often be drowned out.
The valveless bugle, often referred to as a natural bugle, is capable of producing different pitches based on the player's lip tension and the speed of air passed through the instrument, much like a trumpet, but without the aid of valves to change the length of the tubing. The natural bugle is limited to notes within the harmonic series of a single fundamental pitch.
The drummers in the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps use a method called "traditional grip", or “orthodox grip,” to hold their drumsticks. This grip has roots in military history, as drums used to be slung over the shoulder leaving the drum head at an angle. In this grip, the stick in the right hand is held similarly to a standard matched grip, but the stick in the left hand is held differently, resting on the upturned palm and crossing over the ring and middle fingers. The grip allows for even hand-to-hand playing given the drum's angle, and is preserved today in the Corps as a nod to historical tradition.
This commitment to historical accuracy — using instruments similar to those used in the 18th century — is part of what makes the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps a living link to our nation's past. It provides a rich and authentic connection to the musical traditions of Revolutionary America.
The repertoire of the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps includes military field music from the Revolutionary War era, such as Yankee Doodle, along with adaptations of other traditional American music. They perform in a range of settings, from official state occasions to public demonstrations and historical commemorations, serving both as a potent symbol of America's past and an embodiment of its military precision and discipline.
Perhaps most importantly, the Corps serves an educational role. Their performances provide audiences with a tangible link to the past, helping to keep the musical traditions of Revolutionary America alive. As the fifes trill and the snares crackle, listeners are transported back to the 18th century, reminding us of the integral role music played in shaping our nation's history.
Through the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, the melodies that once stirred the hearts of the Revolutionary patriots continue to resonate, underscoring the enduring power of music as a form of national identity and collective memory.
YouTube Performance: US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps Demo: Royal American Medley
Spotify Performance: US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps Demo: Royal American Medley
In the world of music and theater in the American colonies, few works had as much impact or resonated as deeply as John Gay's The Beggar's Opera. This English ballad opera, first staged in London in 1728, would soon cross the Atlantic, bringing with it a sharp and lively commentary on society, politics, and the human condition, and reverberating throughout the colonies.
The Beggar's Opera turned the conventions of Italian opera, which was seen as the high culture of the time, on its head. Rather than noble and mythological characters, it featured beggars and thieves. Rather than elaborate arias, it employed popular tunes and folk songs, setting new lyrics to familiar melodies, making it accessible to everyday people.
Its protagonist, Macheath, is a roguish highwayman whose exploits, alongside a cast of corrupt officials and scheming low-lifes, serve as a satirical critique of the political and social landscape. The biting satire struck a chord in Revolutionary America, reflecting the growing dissatisfaction with British rule and the perceived corruption and decadence of the English aristocracy.
The Beggar's Opera was first performed in the American colonies in 1750, and its popularity grew in the years leading up to the Revolution. Its accessible music and sharp social commentary made it a hit among the colonists. Moreover, its implicit critique of social and political institutions resonated with a population increasingly chafing under British control.
The legacy of The Beggar's Opera continues today. It's been widely adapted and updated, most famously by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill as The Threepenny Opera in the 20th century. Its innovative use of popular music and its satirical lens on society laid the groundwork for much of the modern musical theater that followed.
In the tumultuous era of Revolutionary America, The Beggar's Opera offered not only entertainment but also a provocative reflection of society. Its blend of music, satire, and social commentary served as a mirror to the period's tumult, offering a potent and resonant message that remains relevant to this day.
John Gay (1685 – 1732), English - The Beggar’s Opera
YouTube Performance: FAMS Theatre Company Inc., New South Wales, Australia, Montgomery Theater, 2016, directed by Christine Logan, conducted by Peter Alexander
Spotify Performance: Jeremy Barlow, Patrizia Kwella, Paul Elliott, The Broadside Band
As the fires of the American Revolution were kindling, a distinctive musical tradition was taking shape in colonial America that would resonate through the ages. This was the Sacred Harp tradition, also known as shape note singing, a uniquely American form of communal, a cappella hymn singing.
Rooted in the Protestant singing schools of New England, Sacred Harp music was designed for congregational participation rather than professional performance. The 'sacred harp' refers to the human voice itself, seen as the most divine instrument. The name also relates to The Sacred Harp, a hymn book first published in 1844, long after the Revolution, but the singing style and the musical tradition it represents predate the book and were prevalent during the Revolutionary era.
In Sacred Harp music, each note in the musical scale is assigned a specific shape (such as triangle, square, or diamond), which makes it easier for people who can't read traditional music notation to participate. This inclusive ethos is key to understanding the tradition's appeal and its impact on American society.
During the Revolutionary War, Sacred Harp music and its antecedents offered solace and strength to a society in upheaval. The powerful, unadorned harmonies of songs like 268 David’s Lamentation echoed through meeting houses and homes, tying communities together with a shared emotional experience.
The tradition does not focus on the aesthetic perfection of the sound, but on the quality of participation. Robust, full-bodied singing is encouraged from all, regardless of musical training. Singers formed a hollow square, enabling everyone to hear and blend with each other, embodying the democratic ideals taking shape in Revolutionary America.
These meetings offered not only a musical outlet, but also a means for political discussion and the spread of revolutionary ideas. Amidst the tumult of war, Sacred Harp bound communities together, providing solace, strength, and a shared sense of identity. Today, this powerful tradition reminds us of our ability to find harmony amidst discord and the importance of shared expression in times of change.
Although the singing tradition was largely regional during the Revolution, centered in New England, the 19th century would see it spread and evolve, especially in the South, becoming an important part of America's cultural heritage.
In the midst of Revolutionary turmoil, Sacred Harp offered not just a musical outlet, but a means of building community resilience and shared identity. Today, the echoes of this tradition remind us of the profound human capacity to find harmony amidst discord and to draw strength from shared expression in times of profound change.
YouTube Performance: Documentary: Echoes of the Past: Singing the Sacred Harp, from the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Spotify Performance: Sacred Harp playlist compiled by Sarah Lott