Below, for those who are interested in arrangements of The Star-Spangled Banner, and our guests from "The Instrumentalist" are six different arrangements, in chronological order, from the earliest 18th century melody, to 1864 - all arranged for brass band or period military band. The styles vary widely, and most have the typical ornamentation of an instrumental arrangement as well as a repeated last strain. The Star-Spangled Banner, though not the national anthem until 1931, was one of the most popular patriotic airs of the time, and would have been played at most official or patriotic concerts or ceremonies.
The selections below were recorded between 1969 and 2001, so some variation in sound quality will be apparent. The files are in the compressed MP3 format, and the file size is given next to the title, so those with modems can be aware of the download time needed. If your player will not play the MP3 files, you can go and update your player of choice (all free):
1. The Anacreontic Song- 669 KB
The song "To
Anacreon in Heaven" was a British song, sung by members of the
Anacreontic Club. It bears the melody model for our Star Spangled
Banner of today. The 4th Continental Artillery Band of Musick is
modeled after a typical military band of the Revolution or War of 1812,
with bassoons, trombones, oboes, clarinets, flutes and horns. The arrangement
is 18th century or early 19th century.
(Recorded 1981 - 4th CABOM - "Marches and Contra Dances",
chief musician: Merlin Jones)
2. Star-Spangled Banner 1832 - 581 KB
The source of this
arrangement is most likely from one for keyed brass. It is simple
and quaint.
(recorded live October 27, 2001 - bandmaster: Dan Woolpert, associate
bandmaster: Jon Condon)
3. Star-Spangled Banner - Dodworth - 725 KB
Allen Dodworth wrote an
arrangement in 1853 that was the most popular one in use during the Civil
War. His band accompanied the 71st New York Infantry early in the war
and participated in a concert given by the regiment for President Lincoln at
the Navy Yards on March 9, 1861. TheStar-Spangled Banner was the
finale of the program. Dodworth's arrangement appeared in his book, The School of the Brass Band.
(recorded 1974 - "Music for the President" - bandmaster: Nicholas Contorno)
4. Star-Spangled Banner 1854 - 637 KB
G. W. E. Freiderick
published the Brass Band Journal in 1854. This is one of the 23
selections in that book, arranged for brass band.
(recorded 1971 - "Civil War Military Band Music, vol. 2" -
bandmaster: David Ridgely)
5. Star-Spangled Banner 1861 - 689 KB
The arrangement is by
Claudio S. Grafulla; done for the 3rd New Hampshire Band under Gustavus
Ingalls. The band is often referred to as the Port Royal Band, as
they were stationed there during the Civil War.
(recorded 1969 - "Civil War Military Band Music, vol. 1" -
bandmaster: Ted Buenger)
6. Star-Spangled Banner - 1st Brigade Band - 616 KB
This arrangement is from
the books of the 1st Brigade Band, 3d Division, XV Corps, dated
1864. We believe that their chief musician, Edwin Oscar Kimberly
may be the arranger, and although it is not marked in the books, he has
some known arrangements. This arrangement may have also been
present in the 3d Wisconsin band books (1861), and the Brodhead Brass
Band books (1858).
(recorded 1985 - "The Grand Review" - bandmaster: Dan Woolpert)
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