Tenting Tonight
Tenting Tonight was a popular song for Union soldiers during the American Civil War. Written by Walter Kittredge in 1864, this composition encompasses many of the emotions typically displayed by Union troops while recovering from a recent battle. Even though the lyrics of the songs can be depressing, the soldiers sang it to raise their spirits. The lyrics of the song allowed soldiers to voice what they truly felt. For example, "Wishing for the war to cease; Many are the hearts that are looking for the right To see the dawn of peace" exemplifies how soldiers never really wanted to go to war. They are patriotic and are proud to be form the North, but are doubting the reasons they entered the war and now only want the war to end. Also another important phrase is some are dead and some are dying,
Many are in tears" because it shows how being in tears can be just as painful as dying. The depressing state they were in psychologically tormented them, and that torment was equivalent in pain to the slowly dying.
Listening to these notable performances will definitely alter our way of appreciating "The Blue and the Grey" because we will have a greater appreciation for the rich history this piece brings with it (Civil War Era). Also we will be able to express more emotion when we playing our respective instruments because of this deeper understanding. In addition in class, we should play it more Legato because both the UCLA Chorus and Mr. Neumeyer do so.
Many are in tears" because it shows how being in tears can be just as painful as dying. The depressing state they were in psychologically tormented them, and that torment was equivalent in pain to the slowly dying.
Listening to these notable performances will definitely alter our way of appreciating "The Blue and the Grey" because we will have a greater appreciation for the rich history this piece brings with it (Civil War Era). Also we will be able to express more emotion when we playing our respective instruments because of this deeper understanding. In addition in class, we should play it more Legato because both the UCLA Chorus and Mr. Neumeyer do so.
"Tenting Tonight" .Arr. By Jackson Berkey (b. 1942)
String parts Arr. By Ulf Anneken; Rebecca Lord, Conductor; UCLA University Chorus |
Instruments:
Vocal, Violin, Cello, Piano Reaction The UCLA Choral program is an extremely prestigious organization that is well known throughout all of the United States for its choral music appropriate for a concert choral ensemble, with emphasis on music after 1700. In this particular production of "Tenting Tonight" we are able to hear the contrasting sounds of the sopranos, tenors, and altos. The contrast in their voices provides for a richer, more profound experince for the audience. I particularly like the base line because it adds depth to the piece. Also the base line paints a somber image that parallels the mood of soldiers during the Civil War. Also at 4:23 we are able to hear the violin more distinctly thus creating a slightly more cheerful tone. The tone waivers ever so slightly but mostly maintains the grieving/somber tone. |
Artist: Chris Neumeyer
Album: The Vacant Chair |
Instruments:
Vocal (featuring a female accompaniment) , Guitar, Harmonica Reaction I feel that Mr. Neumeyer is playing in a bluegrass style that is depicting a soldiers sentiments from the Civil War that also applies with the solider of today. His message is simple and the cogent words of the song help convey this powerful message . This heart warming song is meant to appreciate the sacrifices made and the cost of our freedom. What is unique to this particular recording of "Tenting Tonight" is its use of the harmonica. The harmonica adds this rustic feel that allows the listeners to relate to the heart warming mood of the song. The harmonica was also one of the most popular instruments during the civil war era, thus making it more then appropriate for this instrument to be included in this recording. |
Lyrics
We're tenting tonight on the old camp ground,
Give us a song to cheer Our weary hearts, a song of home, And friends we love so dear. Chorus: Many are the hearts that are weary tonight, Wishing for the war to cease; Many are the hearts that are looking for the right To see the dawn of peace. Tenting tonight, tenting tonight, tenting on the old camp ground We've been tenting tonight on the old camp ground, Thinking of days gone by, Of the loved ones at home that gave us the hand And the tear that said "Goodbye!" Chorus The lone wife kneels and prays with a sigh That God his watch will keep O'er the dear one away and the little dears nigh,In the trundle bed fast asleep. Chorus We are tenting tonight on the old camp ground. The fires are flickering low. Still are the sleepers that lie around, As the sentinels come and go. Chorus |
Alas for those comrades of days gone by
Whose forms are missed tonight. Alas for the young and true who lie Where the battle flag braved the fight. Chorus No more on march or field of strife Shall they lie so tired and worn, No rouse again to hope and life When the sound of drums beat at morn. Chorus We are tired of war on the old camp ground, Many are dead and gone, Of the brave and true who've left their homes, Others been wounded long. Chorus We've been fighting today on the old camp ground, Many are lying near; Some are dead and some are dying, Many are in tears. FInal Chorus: Many are the heart that are weary tonight, Wishing for the war to cease; Many are the hearts that are looking for the right To see the dawn of peace Dying tonight, dying tonight, dying on the old camp ground. |
This page was created by Jonathan Z
Citations
1. "Civil War/Bluegrass Tenting Tonight." YouTube. YouTube, 22 Nov. 2012. Web. 11 Oct. 2013. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kcBdAtnPy0>.
2. "UCLA University Chorus, "Tenting Tonight," R. Lord Conductor." YouTube. YouTube, 03 July 2011. Web. 11 Oct. 2013. <https://www.youtube.com/watchv=H0PIdfbiBIU>.
3. Tate, Judy. "Tenting On the Old Camp Ground Lyrics." Tenting On the Old Camp Ground Lyrics. Rootsweb, n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2013.
4. <http://freepages.music.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~edgmon/cwtenting.htm>.4. UCLA. "UCLA: Choral Music." UCLA Choral Music RSS. UCLA, 2007. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://uclachoralmusic.com/site/giving/>.
1. "Civil War/Bluegrass Tenting Tonight." YouTube. YouTube, 22 Nov. 2012. Web. 11 Oct. 2013. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kcBdAtnPy0>.
2. "UCLA University Chorus, "Tenting Tonight," R. Lord Conductor." YouTube. YouTube, 03 July 2011. Web. 11 Oct. 2013. <https://www.youtube.com/watchv=H0PIdfbiBIU>.
3. Tate, Judy. "Tenting On the Old Camp Ground Lyrics." Tenting On the Old Camp Ground Lyrics. Rootsweb, n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2013.
4. <http://freepages.music.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~edgmon/cwtenting.htm>.4. UCLA. "UCLA: Choral Music." UCLA Choral Music RSS. UCLA, 2007. Web. 22 Oct. 2013. <http://uclachoralmusic.com/site/giving/>.