The original national anthem, forged through the perilous moments of the War of 1812, has a lasting impact on the patriotism and core beliefs of U.S. citizens. Today, the Star-Spangled Banner represents more than achieved independence, but additionally constitutes a national symbol for the country. The Houston Symphony Orchestra 2014 performance of the Star-Spangled Banner employs a variety of fermatas, crescendos, instrumentation, and supplementary alterations in music style in order to convey their central message of America’s strength, pride, unity, and patriotism.
The orchestra sets the motion of the Star-Spangled Banner with a subtle snare-drum roll which mainly serves to evoke awareness in the audience. After the snare-drum roll, low instruments in a staccato, sharply detached style, enter confidently with a steady tempo to symbolize America’s stability. The unique instrumentation of low instruments at the beginning serves to establish a powerful melodic idea for the audience. The accented style and instrumentation assist in creating a prideful tone because the band includes distinct intervals to display shifts for fear, relief, bravery, and confidence during the War. These intervals move up and down allowing the audience to aurally experience the American flag billowing in the breeze. After the first four lines, woodwind and orchestra instruments graciously enter during a transition representing America’s relief. The soft dynamic signifies the minimal uncertainty of America which recovers from the low instruments including the trumpet, trombone, and bass drums. The band conveys the unity of America by collectively playing as an ensemble during the words “flag was still there”. Houston Symphony Orchestra portrays the strength of America by joining all of its members together for the last two lines.
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At the end of the anthem, the band incorporates crescendos, gradual increases in volume, in order to render a feeling of pride in the audience. In this instance, increases in volume serve to emphasize certain phrases and spark passion. The band also includes fermatas on certain words like “free” and “brave”. Likewise, the fermatas create an effect that highlight the significant meaning behind the freedom and bravery of America. The audience becomes aware of the true meaning behind being an American, but most importantly the resilience of their own country.
In conclusion, the band effectively conveys their symbolism of America through the Star-Spangled Banner. The effects of instrumentation vividly express America’s unity, pride, power, and persistence. The Houston Symphony Orchestra elicits sensational sentiment for its audience through musical strategies that provide insight into the soul of America.
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