After the War of 1812, Congress did not have the money to buy back Americas territories from Britain so they set up committees to come up with ways to raise revenue for the government. It has always served as an expression of hope. To celebrate Independence Day properly, listen to a recording of how “The Star-Spangled Banner” would have sounded in the 19th century. The Star-Spangled Banner has always been more than just a patriotic song. Both that exhibition and the one at the Morgan are reminders that even the most iconic emblems of patriotism have a dense history. Meanwhile in Washington, DC, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is exhibiting the original Francis Scott Key manuscript of “The Star-Spangled Banner” alongside the tattered flag that inspired it. The poem was set to the tune of a popular British song written by John Stafford Smith for the Anacreontic Society, a mens social club in London. Frank Bridge's 'The Pneu World' for cello and piano, H.163 (1925), is a parody on the opening bars of 'The Star-Spangled Banner'. Giacomo Puccini used the opening notes as a motif throughout his opera Madama Butterfly. The song is based on a British march that was used as military music during the battle. The beginning of the song is also used in the beginning of the march titled 'National Emblem'. On a list of the country’s greatest composers, you’ll find familiar names like Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, and George Gershwin. Francis Scott Key did not compose The Star-Spangled Banner. It’s missing a phrase of music, it’s at the wrong tempo, it’s much slower, it’s sung by a massed group of people instead of an individual soloist.” It was only in 1931 that “The Star Spangled Banner” was officially made the country’s national anthem by Congress, cementing its place of pomp ahead of then-competitors “ Hail, Columbia” and “ My Country, ’Tis of Thee.” What event led to the adoption of the Star-Spangled Banner as our national anthem Francis Scott Key wrote the words to 'The Star-Spangled Banner' on September 14, 1814, after watching the enormous nighttime British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Maryland during the War of 1812. Here are eight things that might surprise you about The Star-Spangled Banner and its divisive history: 1. A glance at the notes in the Morgan’s copy shows a jaunty introduction and speedier pace, as well as a whole four verses. University of Michigan Associate Professor Mark Clague, who’s leading the Star Spangled Music bicentennial initiative, told the New York Times: “Key wouldn’t recognize what we sing today. Even before Keys, the ditty had been used for other patriotic proclamations, including in the French Revolution.
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