INSPIRATION: "AURA LEE"
The Pre-Civil War Era was a time when music was characterized by upbeat songs, a common feature in the popular minstrel shows. However, George R. Poulton and William Whiteman Fosdick wanted to contrast the norm with a sentimental song. With the traditional song theme of a young woman with beautiful, shining hair, “Aura Lee” was written, composed, published, and copyrighted in 1861. Shortly after the publication of “Aura Lee,” the American Civil War broke out. Throughout history, music has always played an integral role in wars, both on and off the battlefield. Music can be used to raise spirits, as well as to keep troops in order. In addition, it often serves as an outlet for soldiers when they are tired, weakened, homesick, and hopeless. The Civil War was no different; certain types of music and songs became popular. “Aura Lee” increased widespread popularity amongst the Union and Confederate soldiers. Since the Civil War occurred on the eve of the rise of the music industry, early commercialization of music contributed to the sweeping acclamation of “Aura Lee.” “Aura Lee” has since had a profound impact on the music community. Upon publication, it quickly became a favorite tune of West Point students, becoming a graduation song. New lyrics were written by L. W. Becklaw, and it was known as “Army Blue.” “Aura Lee” even served as inspiration for another Civil War classic, “The Yellow Rose of Texas.” Perhaps the biggest impact of “Aura Lee” can be felt from the 1956 movie, Love Me Tender. Using the original melody of “Aura Lee”, Ken Darby, the music director for the movie, wrote new lyrics to a song that he would title “Love Me Tender.” Recorded by Elvis Presley, “Love Me Tender” instantly became a top-charter and one of his most significant songs.
With this information in mind, we will be able to alter and improve the way in which we play "Aura Lee" in class. Since it was written as a love song, I think that we should play this piece more softly and sweetly. One way to execute this is to pay attention to dynamics and try not to play loudly if we don't have the melody. Also, we can incorporate more legato and vibrato into our playing. The legato will make this section flow better. Playing with vibrato is purely a stylistic technique, but I believe that it will make "Aura Lee" sound prettier and more romantic. The style and mindset with which we play will change the way that the song sounds, so it is important to remember that this is a sentimental classic despite the fact that it is put into a compilation of war songs. Although I did enjoy the performance of "Aura Lee" by the Belgian Band (shown below), I do not think that we should take a more lively approach to the song as that group did. While it was interesting, I feel that we should play it in a more traditional manner. It is important to play with energy and enthusiasm, but it must be channeled into playing sweetly. For this reason, we should play it in the classic folk style displayed in the second recording (performance of the Academy of Tucson High School). Because it is so different than most of the other pieces included within "Blue and the Gray," I feel that we should exploit this difference and show a lot of contrast. This will make the piece sound more interesting as a whole, as well as showcase our talents and abilities as a group.
With this information in mind, we will be able to alter and improve the way in which we play "Aura Lee" in class. Since it was written as a love song, I think that we should play this piece more softly and sweetly. One way to execute this is to pay attention to dynamics and try not to play loudly if we don't have the melody. Also, we can incorporate more legato and vibrato into our playing. The legato will make this section flow better. Playing with vibrato is purely a stylistic technique, but I believe that it will make "Aura Lee" sound prettier and more romantic. The style and mindset with which we play will change the way that the song sounds, so it is important to remember that this is a sentimental classic despite the fact that it is put into a compilation of war songs. Although I did enjoy the performance of "Aura Lee" by the Belgian Band (shown below), I do not think that we should take a more lively approach to the song as that group did. While it was interesting, I feel that we should play it in a more traditional manner. It is important to play with energy and enthusiasm, but it must be channeled into playing sweetly. For this reason, we should play it in the classic folk style displayed in the second recording (performance of the Academy of Tucson High School). Because it is so different than most of the other pieces included within "Blue and the Gray," I feel that we should exploit this difference and show a lot of contrast. This will make the piece sound more interesting as a whole, as well as showcase our talents and abilities as a group.
LYRICS:
Poulton, George R., and William Whiteman Fosdick. Aura Lee. 1861. Cincinnati, 1861. Special Needs in Music. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://specialneedsinmusic.com/folk_song_pages/aura_lee.html>.
|
JEUGDORKEST C-BARRE
Jeugdorkest C-Barré: Ouverture Aura Lee. YouTube. N.p., 8 Dec. 2012. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5TY3Ub3Hcc>.
Jeugdorkest C-Barre is a youth band in Wevelgem, Belgium. The band played "Ouverture Aura Lee" (Arranged by Michel Van Deft) at a performance in 2012. From 00:13 to 00:36, I think that there is an excellent balance between the low brass (melody) and woodwinds. From 01:27 to 01:36, the flutes execute their high notes without being too loud and overbearing. The entire beginning section (00:13 to 01:36) is sweet and romantic, which is exactly how I imagine "Aura Lee" to sound. After this, we begin to hear variations on the original melody, making the song more lively and less sentimental. At 1:37, we are immediately exposed to a clarinet melody, which also shows very nice balancing between the melody and background voices. In my opinion, this piece is very interesting because it shows how one melody can be used as a base for variation and modernization of a classic. This reminds me of the chorale project in that one melody and various rhythmic techniques are used to create an entirely new melody. Personally, I find this performance to be inspiring, considering that many of the performers are younger than us, which shows that we truly have the potential to sound incredible. For more information on this group: http://www.jeugdorkestwevelgem.be/ (remember to turn on the translation!) |
ACADEMY OF TUCSON HIGH SCHOOL
Aura Lee. YouTube. N.p., 14 Oct. 2012. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2HWJPdUHck>.
Academy of Tucson High School is a high school in Tucson, Arizona. This recording features the guitar ensemble from the school. This performance of "Aura Lee" (Arranged by Nancy Marsters) was played at the school's 2012 Fall Concert. In this group, each person plays the same part; so it is much more difficult to blend the voices of each guitar into one sound. Although it doesn't sound like one guitarist is playing, I think that the musicians do a good job trying to play in perfect unison. This arrangement stays similar to the original melody of the piece. Because it is played by guitarists, I think that enhances the folk music quality of the piece. However, I prefer the other recording. I think that it is more unique and has a much more polished sound. Even though the Belgian performers are younger, I feel that they play better together as a group. Perhaps this is because the guitar ensemble allows anyone to join, while the Belgian band is selective. In the Tucson recording, there was no particular section that stood out to me as being absolutely incredible, whereas I was amazed by the abilities of the Belgian group. For more information on this group: http://academyoftucson.com/high/music |
Citations:
"American Popular Song: A Brief History." History Matters. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://historymatters.gmu.edu/mse/songs/amsong.html>.
Aura Lee. YouTube. N.p., 14 Oct. 2012. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2HWJPdUHck>.
"Info." Jeugdorkest C-Barre - Wevelgem. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://www.jeugdorkestwevelgem.be/index.php?page=info>.
Jeugdorkest C-Barré: Ouverture Aura Lee. YouTube. N.p., 8 Dec. 2012. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5TY3Ub3Hcc>.
"Music Department." The Academy of Tucson. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://academyoftucson.com/high/music>.
Poulton, George R., and William Whiteman Fosdick. Aura Lee. 1861. Cincinnati, 1861. Special Needs in Music. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://specialneedsinmusic.com/folk_song_pages/aura_lee.html>.
"The Story behind the Song: Love Me Tender." The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, 17 Oct. 2008. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/3562247/The-story-behind-the-song-Love-Me-Tender.html>.
"American Popular Song: A Brief History." History Matters. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://historymatters.gmu.edu/mse/songs/amsong.html>.
Aura Lee. YouTube. N.p., 14 Oct. 2012. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2HWJPdUHck>.
"Info." Jeugdorkest C-Barre - Wevelgem. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://www.jeugdorkestwevelgem.be/index.php?page=info>.
Jeugdorkest C-Barré: Ouverture Aura Lee. YouTube. N.p., 8 Dec. 2012. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5TY3Ub3Hcc>.
"Music Department." The Academy of Tucson. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://academyoftucson.com/high/music>.
Poulton, George R., and William Whiteman Fosdick. Aura Lee. 1861. Cincinnati, 1861. Special Needs in Music. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://specialneedsinmusic.com/folk_song_pages/aura_lee.html>.
"The Story behind the Song: Love Me Tender." The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, 17 Oct. 2008. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/3562247/The-story-behind-the-song-Love-Me-Tender.html>.
This page was created by Courtney S.