Ken Burns Civil War documentary

[steve99f]

Is running on one of our PBS stations. Part 2 tonite.

One of the greatest TV programs I've ever seen.

[RalphAlsip]

Steve, I agree about Ken Burns' Civil War documentary. The Lewis & Clark and Baseball documentaries are good, but not as good (IMO). The National Park documentary didn't seem at the same level but was still watchable. He has a new documentary on the Vietnam era coming out in September/ October 2017. It will probably generate some lively discussions.

[steve99f]

I am looking forward to his treatment of that Ralph. I've enjoyed all of his films to date and as you note some are better than others but all are a cut or two above the norm these days. Next to the Civil War, I thought Baseball was fantastic.

[tjmurphy]

I watched it the first time it came out back in the 90's, even recorded each episode. Unfortunately it was recorded on VHS. The pictures and narative were wonderful and a lot was learned. Learned the tune "Ashoakan Farewell" from the series.

[carrmillus]

....BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!........... .................

[philco]

Very nice T.J.

[tjmurphy]

If you watched, or are watching, that is the song that is featured throughout the series. The song was actually written to commemorate the old time fiddler's gathering in Ashoakan, NY and I think that it was presented on the last night of the gathering, thus, "Ashoakan Farewell".

This better expains it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashokan_Farewell

[RobesonsRme.com]

In my opinion, one of the most beautiful songs ever composed and recorded.

It is the song playing as the narrator reads the letter written by a Union soldier home to his wife.

The letter itself is very poignant, poetic and in a style we no longer use today.

http://www.pbs.org/kenburns/civil-war/w ... ou-letter/

Letter writing is a lost art.

Charlie Noyes

[tjmurphy]

Here are the lyrics to the song:

Lyrics
The sun is sinking low in the sky above Ashokan
The pines and the willows know soon we will part
There's a whisper in the wind of promises unspoken
And a love that will always remain in my heart

My thoughts will return to the sound of your laughter
The magic of moving as one
And a time we'll remember long ever after
The moonlight and music and dancing are done

Will we climb the hills once more?
Will we walk the woods together?
Will I feel you holding me close once again?
Will every song we've sung stay with us forever?
Will you dance in my dreams or my arms until then?

Under the moon the mountains lie sleeping
Over the lake the stars shine
They wonder if you and I will be keeping
The magic and music, or leave them behind

Written by Jay A. Ungar • Copyright © Universal Music Publishing Group

[RobesonsRme.com]

For some reason, I find that Jay wrote lyrics to that tune somewhat disappointing.

It's a waltz.

Charlie Noyes

[tjmurphy]

Why do you find them disappointing, Charlie? Is it because the lyrics don't have a Civil War theme?

[RobesonsRme.com]

No. I just think the song stands on its own as an instrumental and to hear it accompanied by vocals would diminish its impact.

That's just me. I may be the only person in the country that feels that way.

I've never heard the lyrics sung before. Possibly, I'd change my mind if I heard it done by a great female vocalist like Claire Lynch or someone of equal talent.

Or Emmy Lou Harris.

Charlie

[tjmurphy]

I understand. I've never heard it sung before either. And you're right, the melody does stand on it's own. There's another old waltz tune that you hardly ever hear sung. "The Waltz You Saved for Me" by Wayne King ("The Waltz King")

[RobesonsRme.com]

That's a great one, but better on solo fiddle.

Also, the Mom & Pop waltz heard at the end of a great indy movie called, Heartland, from 1979. Highly recommended.

Charlie

[tjmurphy]

Hey...............everything's better on fiddle!!

[Unk]

Love those twin fiddles!

While it is played numerous times in the documentary, Ken Burns made great use of Ashokan Farewell in the reading of the Sullivan Ballou letter. This scene hits you right in the feels. If you love your country - and love your wife - it's especially moving.

[Unk]

These animated maps from the Civil War Trust on Youtube are pretty cool.

They provide a lot of detail and strategy for most of the major battles in the Civil War.

This is the one for Gettysburg: