Friday, July 15, 2011

Ashokan Farewell


I didn't know what the name of the song was. But as I watched each installment of Ken Burns' "Civil War", that song kept playing over and over. It got so that I couldn't get the song to leave my head, especially when I lay down to try to sleep.

I'd recorded the series, and watched it in segments of time, whenever I was able. Maybe that's why. This went on for several weeks, so the song became ingrained in me. I began to look forward to hearing it, every time I'd hit the play button on my DVR. The series, I'd decided, at least for me, couldn't go forward without first playing that song.

Combined with the haunting images of the war, it made an indelible impression.

So, what's all the fuss?

I LOVE this song!

Therefore, of course, I had to search it out. Could I download it? I didn't even know the name of the song. So, I went to Amazon and searched for Civil War songs. That did NOT narrow it down. So, I then searched for "Civil War songs - Ken Burns". Better! That brought up some more likely choices. Then, all I had to do was click the preview button to find the right one.

Once I knew the actual name of the song, I wanted to know more about it. I'd thought it was an actual Civil War era song. It's not. You can read about it here.

The song was written by Jay Ungar, as a kind of Scottish lament. It's beautiful.

I downloaded it, so now I can hear it anytime I want; not just in my head.

I don't remember the last time I heard a song and thought, I love this song. It's been years. Sadly.

It may not ring a bell with you, but if you watched the series, and click on the video below, you will remember.

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