No Fourth of July is complete without the inspiring sounds of patriotic music. Although pieces like the National Anthem and “Stars and Stripes Forever” are obvious favorites for the season, there is a whole wealth of other patriotic repertoire that is sure to give your Fourth of July cookout some extra flair. This post highlights five of these lesser-known patriotic pieces that will make the perfect addition to your Independence Day playlist.
1. “Fanfare for the Common Man” by Aaron Copland
With its soaring melodies and majestic brass lines, Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” is an essential piece for any patriotic playlist. Written to inspire hope amid the dark days of World War II, the fanfare is a celebration of the common Americans’ contribution to the war effort. The piece’s strikingly noble musical lines testify to the indomitable American spirit, and its strikingly bold texture rightfully solidifies its place as a hallmark of American concert music.
Listen to “Fanfare for the Common Man” here!
2. “Freedom Road” by Jim Curnow
“Freedom Road” by Jim Curnow is a little-known concert band piece that describes of runaway slaves’ dangerous flight to freedom. Composed of variations on the spiritual “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” the piece is an exciting and poignant description of the mix of hope and fear that defined slaves’ perilous journeys. Through its moving and evocative phrasing, Curnow’s piece serves as a wonderful celebration of African Americans’ resilience and courage while offering a sobering reminder that not all Americans won their freedom on the Fourth of July.
Listen to “Freedom Road” here!
3. “American Overture” by Joseph Wilcox Jenkins
“American Overture” by Joseph Wilcox Jenkins is a strikingly ambitious piece that brilliantly captures America’s pioneering spirit. From the beginning, “American Overture” dazzles the listener with its fun, adventurous sound as it opens with a brash octave leap in the horn section. From there, the excitement of the piece only grows as it launches into a swashbuckling western melody at a relentlessly breathtaking speed. This fun, exciting piece is an excellent example of patriotic repertoire that is sure to liven up your playlist.
Listen to “American Overture” here!
4. “An American Salute” by Morton Gould
Like “Fanfare for the Common Man,” Morton Gould’s “American Salute” premiered in 1943 to boost morale during some of the darkest days of World War II. As a reflection of its time, Gould’s piece keeps up a relentless intensity with its unceasing rhythmic pulse and accelerating forward motion. The relentless drive of the piece is an excellent representation of indomitable American determination that is sure to inspire you in your most intrepid holiday endeavors.
Listen to “An American Salute” here!
5. “Hymn for the Lost and the Living” by Eric Ewazen
“Hymn for the Lost and the Living” by Eric Ewazen is a gorgeously contemplative piece written in honor of those who were killed on 9/11. Ewazen, who was teaching at Julliard in New York City at the time, was inspired to write the piece by the scenes he witnessed of New Yorkers honoring the lost throughout the city. This beautiful lament eloquently captures both the tragedy of the lives lost in the attacks and the resilient hope of the living. Set in Ewazen’s poignant lyrical style, it is a moving tribute to one of the darkest days in American history.
Listen to “Hymn for the Lost and the Living” here!
This year certainly promises to be a Fourth of July like no other, but in the face of uncertainty, we can take comfort in the lessons of the past. Whether they were the soldiers and civilians facing the darkness of World War II, slaves fleeing for their freedom, or New Yorkers standing resolutely against the tragedy of 9/11, common Americans have endured through countless crises and emerged on the other side. As you listen to the music that we so often hear on Independence Day, I hope you will be encouraged to remember all that has gone before and have hope for the days to come.
- Jordan Koehlinger, Music Instructor at Vibe Music Academy.
