A question to you fiddlers...
Let's say you were commissioned to play an instrumental for an American Memorial Day service. I wonder what melody you would choose? Let's disregard Amazing Grace--it's an awesome melody, but it's becoming overused and clichéd. Though, any other pentatonic melody would serve well. Droney, and pentatonic, that's what is moving at funerals and such.
To our UK brethren: I wonder what you play at Remembrance Day services? I believe that coincides with 11 Nov (Veteran's Day in the US).
Thank you.
I thought of "America the Beautiful." I tried Google and most were pretty maudlin country songs, but one list included "Ashokan Farewell." It may be considered overplayed in fiddle circles, but probably not to the general public, and its a beautiful tune. If you play them, "Bonaparte's Retreat" and even "Midnight on the Water" might work.
Here's a sad story (with a transcript) and a beautifully poignant tune, but I don't know if it would be suitable for Memorial Day. Very Irish.
youtu.be/HWIIhGbyP8M?feature=shared
Colman's March was the first to come to mind, works as a slow stately tune, march or even a reel. Doug's suggestions are all good, I'd not go with the "Beef it's what for dinner" version of Bonaparte's or the hoochie coochie ladies in France part.
Marches: "The Duke of Fife's Welcome to Deeside" is a famous Scottish March by Scott Skinner that can be played in a ceremonial way
ChickenMan - I agree about the "Beef" version, although its the best, and certainly not Wm. Stepp's fault that it was used in a TV commercial.
"the hoochie coochie ladies in France" might just be part of the military experience.
"How ya gonna keep 'em down on the farm, after they've seen Paree?"
Just a few ideas:
The Minstrel Boy
Lorena
The Battle Cry of Freedom
Shall We Gather at the River
My Country Tis of Thee
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
The Yellow Rose of Texas
I’ve played several of these at Memorial Day ceremonies.
