Ashokan Farewell by Jay Ungar

[@richardlogan1021]

Where in the top five most beautiful American songs ever written does this rank? And ..... I can't ever listen to this song without crying. You see, my Great-Great-Grandfather George Wheeler Sheppard hated slavery so much that, at age 41, he joined the Union Army. He died at Gettysburg a year later. He left behind a wife and six children. I owe my life to him. And I owe some of the quality of my life to him too.

[@kbraud52]

A beautiful song and favorite of many, no doubt, for many reasons. On the eve of my Father's funeral, my college age Daughter, a violist with several years of experience and music training, chose this song to play during the communion procession. The quiet interlude when the host and wine are brought to the altar, that would be her parting gift to her Granddad who was so proud of her talent. She chose to make it a duet with the pipe organ, but we could never contact the organist for rehearsal (herself a professional musician) until we arrived at the church for the funeral service. I brought my daughter to the choir loft (a cathedral style 90 year old church I was raised in and one she had never seen) and introduced her to the organist. Discussing how they were going to play it was all the time they had. The time came and it was the first time they played it or even ever played together, and they nailed it. The singular and eerie richness of the viola and the contrasting full and surrounding sound of the pipe organ emphasized the solitude of a lone soldier, saying good-bye. A fitting song for the passing of a humble but proud WWII veteran.

[@karinberryman7970]

There could not have been a dry eye in that old church with such a piece! What a lovely piece to honor your father Kenneth!

[@kbraud52]

@@karinberryman7970 Thank you. Her husband (Celil Refik Kaya) arranged the Our Father for his guitar and her violin, to be played for my Mother's funeral. It was a beautiful duet and fitting for my Mother.

[@karinberryman7970]

@@kbraud52 You truly have a beautiful family Kenneth! Bon Sante, and a very Happy Christmas! God bless your family always!

[@NavvyMom]

What a beautiful story of a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing it.

[@Liz-sn1mm]

Chills and a tear in my eye--thank you for telling us.

[@harveypennington1015]

This beautiful piece was composed following the model of a Scottish Lament. The originator, Jay Ungar did not have the Am. Civil War in mind while he was at the Ashokan Camp for fiddle and dancing music, (a summer arts program), at the Ashokan Field Campus of SUNY New Paltz. Jay Ungar was, in part, inspired by his journey through Scotland where he came up with the idea of writing a tune to conclude the summer arts program--his wife actually suggested the song's title. And so Ungar and Mason performed this with Fiddle Fever-recorded the song, including it as part of their 1983 album Waltz of the Wind, (nice album all around). Ken Burns, a year later was searching for a song for the documentary The Civil War--and it became the haunting melody forever associated with the story. For Ungar, the fact that “a Scottish lament written by a Jewish guy from the Bronx” would become the de facto anthem of The Civil War tells of how emotional connections can be made in surprising ways. I have played the tune myself and agree: it has the capacity to engage one's bittersweet memory.

[@jlmurrel]

@harveypennington1015 - well said.

[@brookalexandergreenedelsob3303]

Lovely! Haunting.

[@hligh]

Thank you for that background information. It sounds so much older, maybe just timeless.

[@wscaff]

That information is really important here and thanks for sharing!

[@wildfireintexas]

Your short history of this song also encapsulates the story of America, so many different parts coming together to create something new and wonderful.

[@markmiller3308]

“The Civil War was fought in 10,000 places..” - David McCullough Rest In Peace Mr. McCullough, your’s is the voice that will always be Ken Burns movies.

[@stephenkamens587]

Another Great Writer, Has Gone Home. How fitting, it's to the playing of "Ashokan Farewell". You will be sorely missed.

[@carolyndeville2634]

This was one of my 53 year old sister's favorite songs. At her deathbed we played it for her as she crossed over to the other side and on to her great reward. When the last note played she literally "gave up the ghost."

[@deedee3904]

God bless you and your family Carolyn, for making your sister's crossing so peaceful. May she rest in peace.

[@finallythere100]

Thanks for sharing. My condolences to you for your sister. My mother just passed. My son and my mother performed this together since he was 9. (He on fiddle, she playing backup piano, keyboard.).Over the years she often asked for him to play it for her. He played for her over the phone these last weeks as she was dying, including this piece. At her burial, he played this as his final farewell. , There is something special about Ashokan Farewell.

[@kbraud52]

Carolyn, what a beautiful and meaningful story. To be listening to your favorite as you cross over to the afterlife. Thank you for sharing this dear and personal event with us. Moving and meaningful...

[@timothyogden9761]

Carolyn, thank you so much for sharing this. May your sister rest in peace. God Bless!

[@Seatrout00]

Your sister was so blessed to have you do that for her.

[@samhunt9380]

A dear friend of ours, one of Australia's best folk violinists, played this at my late wife's funeral 14/11/2015. My tears still feely flow to this day, listening to this beautiful song......I miss you so much my Darling.....Thank you Jay, for this treasured memory.....

[@michaelhalsall5684]

May I ask who that violionist is? Regards from an Australian folk music fan. I have always loved this song since I heard as the theme music for the American Civil War series on Australian TV a few years ago.

[@ThePaleGuy01]

The best Civil War Song that was not written in the 19th century. Just beautiful.

[@dukeallen2001]

+Peter Meyer This exactly.

[@conradinhawaii7856]

@@williammcdonough7521 Can't for the life of me see the significance you could possibly attach to Jay being Jewish. Would you feel better if he were a Presbyterian? Geeeez. And he wrote it in 1982, a bit further back than 18 years. Homework before posting is Always good policy if you are not writing from personal experience or memory, if you don't wish to appear as an idiot in front of everyone reading here.

[@conradinhawaii7856]

Waaall... except that it was NEVER written as a "Civil War song". Ken Burns hadn't even begun to conceive the series when Jay wrote this in 1982, as a lament and waltz.

[@williammcdonough7521]

@@conradinhawaii7856 Oh, get a life ! Stop reading your foolish concerns...

[@conradinhawaii7856]

@@williammcdonough7521 Yeah, whatever. Maybe take your own advice and rein in your fixation with Jay's Jewish (or part-Jewish) heritage. Tiresome.

[@tm502010]

This music so perfectly matched the Civil War documentary. It’s so moving, so full of pathos. Such a gruesome event in history with terrible loss of life and suffering. By the time the series was over, the sound of this music could make me tear up...

[@phillipruland4886]

Ken Burns.👏

[@henryhorner3182]

All that suffering was all for nothing when you look around today.

[@henryhorner3182]

All those lost lives, those hundreds of thousands maimed or killed -- for what we have and see today in our cities.

[@jamesrichardson3322]

@@henryhorner3182 Two stupid comments

[@TUBESPECIFIC1]

It's becoming a very relevant song I increasingly identify with since hearing it on the TV back in the early 1990's. If I were selecting a set of songs for the 4th, I would include this one now too. I'm afraid we do have a wild West rodeo #2 coming up despite how truly horrifying in the modern era it's becoming, but practically unthinkable when this song and TV show were produced like when I was a kid growing up in the world's greatest country.

[@hgj2019]

I’m a crusty old 66 YO man who has been through a lot, but every time I hear this song I get shivers and something gets in my eyes. It does something powerful to me.

[@alanmarion5589]

I think it's a sign of beautiful music and how it can reach even the crusty among us.

[@terrylaucher3679]

You're not crusty, just seasoned.

[@hgj2019]

@@terrylaucher3679 you’re too kind! But I’m actually approaching KFC extra crispy crusty!😄👴🏻

[@kenmills194]

Me too Terry, me too lol

[@cjlamber]

The story of Sullivan Ballou at the conclusion of episode one of "The Civil War" combined with the beautiful music of Jay Unger is one of the most touching memories of this wonderful series. It perfectly summed up not only the futility of war but explained the purpose of those that participated. Their love of family and duty. For an Aussie like myself I feel i now know my Yankee cousins. All thanks to Ken Burns.

[@irenevuich]

The letter that Sullivan Ballou wrote was something my husband was very fond of. He thought it was so romantic. Since he passed 4 years ago, the song brings back such lovely memories for me. The letter was bittersweet since it was the last time she heard from him.

[@tracyscott432]

Jay wrote this around 1980 after his first Ashokan Fiddle and Dance Camp. After the great success of the weekend, (as that's how it started), out of the sadness that it was all over so fast, this lament was born.(Hence the title) Jay taught the tune at the following year's camp. I was there. What a great time and amazing piece of music!

[@arwenhernandez]

What a beautiful memory! I taught a choral arrangement of this at a music camp over a decade ago. We treasured the poignancy of the music, and related to your story very well.

[@Ozetwo]

I think it is an old scottish air

[@rickmercer9536]

)

[@butchwalker5840]

Indeed a very beautiful solemn song. Thank you to all who performed and produced this masterpiece.

[@WinsteadB73]

@@Ozetwo Sounds a bit like one, doesn't it? But Jay Ungar wrote it fairly recently.

[@robinmurdock7652]

Beautiful!! Played at my husband and his father's memorial service!! Cousin played her father's very old beautiful violin!! Very moving!! They passed about a month apart!!

[@scottferrara5542]

I am terribly sorry for your losses

[@c5mjohn]

“In writing it,” he says, “I was in tears, but I didn’t know why, or what was happening.” There was a kind of “tingling feeling,” he remembers, as the song took shape in his mind and on his fiddle.

[@richardlogan1021]

The tears were the gods telling him that Ken Burns would need his music one day for the soundtrack of the most poignant American documentary ever made.

[@js2702]

That’s how you know it was a gift from our Blessed God.✝️✝️

[@TimFatchen]

This happens, I know and experience very occasionally. You know, afterwards, that the song will stand but there isn't time to stop when you're creating it, just get it down.

[@cjsb22lr]

@@js2702 nonsense

[@anonymous203020]

I tear up when I watch this. There is such unfulfilled longing in the melody, and I can't help but hearing the narration of Sullivan Balou in my head. It reminds me of the unseen world, and dreams and promises and hope.

[@dlrunner]

How can you not be moved to tears by this beautiful music? A masterpiece.

[@philb4462]

I literally am moved to tears. I'm watching The Civil War currently and had to stop to find out what this music is. It's so fitting for that documentary. I associate it with the loss and suffering of the war and I well up when I hear it.

[@oldermusiclover]

agree

[@peachblossom2803]

I always cry when I hear this. I never think of the war but I do think about sorrow and loss.

[@oldermusiclover]

@@peachblossom2803 this song does have lyrics to it as well

[@lindascanlan6317]

Impossible !

[@irenevuich]

This theme was the overriding musical of Ken Burns Civil War TV Series, over 30 years ago. Written by Jay. My husband and I witnessed him and Molly playing it at the Mohonk House in upstate NY back then. It always tugs at my heartstrings. Thanks Jay and Molly.

[@kotzting]

There is a moment in the film "Amadeus" where Salieri is reading first draft musical scores by Mozart. He is crushed emotionally and physically by the unspeakable brilliance of the work. Once in a great while God reaches down and places before us great evidence that He indeed fashioned us in His Image. Ashoken Farewell is one such evidence.

[@kotzting]

It appears that you are concerned to some degree about The Almighty's honor, and that I appreciate. However, notice carefully that I remarked that God places "great evidence" once in a great while. I believe that we are surrounded by evidences to the existence of God. And while some could say that even a small sparrow flying could be described as a "great evidence" please know that I am simply being hyperbolic to emphasize my point. And since you asked, Eric, I believe God is omnipotent. But whether He provides evidence of His existence or not really has nothing to do with His omnipotence. Omnipotence speaks to the all powerful nature of God, and not to the fact of how He chooses to display His Presence in this world or even to hide it. And so to restate in more simple terms; Jay Ungar, whether he knows it or not, displayed the fact that he was created in the image of God when he wrote "Ashoken Farewell." I have told him as much. He knows how much this piece means to me.

[@kotzting]

The word "image" in Hebrew can well be translated "shadow." There is no compelling reason here to force the concept of exact image onto the simple idea of likeness or image. We have some amount or degree of power, being created in the image of God. We do not have all power. In stark contrast the NT, however, DOES convey the concept of "exact image" when referring to Christ. The "exact likeness of God," "the visible image of the invisible God,' and "the exact representation of His being" are all statements referring to One who was found also having the form of a servant.

[@lukegeorge9657]

Thanks to my wife I watched that movie and i recognize what you are saying. The music here immunes to death.

[@martynspeck]

I am a slave of Christ for His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

[@lyndaanthony1154]

Martyn Speck be a beacon of light, not a slave. He made us in his image. He is no slave. We need to be the example of his love and mercy. That is the only thing I've ever seen that successfully wins souls. When some one looks at you, sees your joy and wants to know where it comes from...

[@softshoes]

I cant listen to this without crying for Sullivan Ballou.

[@DanPurdy1]

softshoes Me too.

[@timwalker2778]

His letter brought tears to my eyes.

[@Phractal]

For Sara

[@MrRTFirefly]

I have and have had a copy of his letter hanging in my office. It is, no doubt, one of the best pieces of writing I've ever read...

[@richardlahan7068]

And the 600,000 others.

[@maureentuohy8672]

The most heartbreakingly beautiful song I have ever heard! A million lovely tragic stories run through my mind when I hear it. It's just haunting.

[@Corgiwoman1]

So well said

[@sopotiuck]

There's not to many songs that strike me in the heart. I'm not religious, nor a heavy listener of classical music such as this. I'm quite heavy in to the opposite such as heavy metal and rock etc. This song grabbed me and pulled me in from the moment I heard it, it touched my soul and sent a shock through me. It is quite possibly one of the most beautiful piece's that man has ever been inspired to write.

[@baconnatedchurro]

Peter Sopotiuck This isn't really classical music; it's a waltz composed in a Scottish style.

[@RicksTastyLicks]

One of thee most beautiful instrumentals I've heard in my life, and has been for over 25 years! This performance is exquisite.

[@Huineng10]

I've heard many renditions of this piece, including one by the musicians of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, but the master does it best. Thankyou. I love this

[@DementedCaver]

That song is such a classic, it will surely be played by folks for decades if not centuries after Mr. Ungar is gone.

[@andrewey9389]

This tune will mean Mr Ungar will never die

[@David-hn5ux]

Centuries it is!

[@terrylaucher3679]

I went to a garage sale in Tucson one morning, and while I was speaking with the homeowner, his 2 sons, around 12 and 14 came out on the porch with violins and played this song. I was overwhelmed.

[@redrock3109]

@@terrylaucher3679 WOW! thanks for sharing - wished I'd been there!

[@jo-anntipple177]

It gets lovelier and lovelier every time we hear it. This will forever be a favorite. ❤️🌻

[@nthotomosikili1653]

When I first heard this piece on the South African radio in 1984, I thought I died and went to Heaven...

[@5thGearWI]

Mr. Ungar, I'm sure you've heard it many times and perhaps I cannot add words magnanimous enough to those already expressed by others. As a musician who plays "Rocking Country" yet writes and loves traditional and sweet melodies as a passion, you have absolutely touched my soul with this piece. What a beautiful song! It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. You've accomplished what every composing musician on earth hopes for, a song that will live on. Congratulations to you, and thank you for your gift to humanity!

[@NothingMaster]

The most captivating, poignant, and glorious tune about the Civil War. Hard to believe it was only written in 1982. Jay Ungar has really captured the spirit of the Civil War era in this piece.

[@jacklucking691]

I hear this song Alex and think of the people in Ukraine....so sad.

[@jkfan2005]

But that's not what he was writing about. Still, it's a perfect fit.

[@victorbostrom2205]

so sad that brother Americans fought each other this music reminds of it beautiful touches the heart.

[@lucychinn149]

This is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard and Jay Ungar and the other musicians play it beautifully. How blessed we are to have this song and to have this video of them playing.

[@kotzting]

Jay and Molly play "Ashoken" sweeter and sweeter as the years go by. This world has been made that much more bearable by their art and their hearts. I remain the world's greatest Jay Ungar fan.

[@josephryan9230]

Thanks!! When I first watched this, I thought it was some guy and his band playing the Ashokan Farewell. I had no idea it was THE guy who wrote the song!!! Very interesting back story too!! Like many other viewers, this song has become emblematic of the Civil War itself, based on its prominence in the movie series and it's hard not to tear up when I hear it again. Kudos to Ken Burns for bringing the two together in such a powerful way!!!

[@jeanmorin3247]

The rhythm of this song reminds us all of the steps that we took when walking with a child, waiting for each move of the little feet catching up with the big feet. We all lived through this, either with big feet or with little feet. The memory of the rhythm remains in the brain until recalled by this slow dance, shared at a so precious moment of life.

[@carolynborella2360]

I won't say it's the most beautiful piece of music I've ever heard in my life, but it is beautiful and it moves my heart

[@raulguzman9389]

This song touches my soul. If music can sound so great here, imagine what the music in heaven will be like.

[@althesmith]

According to Pratchett and Gaiman, basically Elgar. Apparently most of the best composers were pretty hardened sinners, lol...

[@lauriesmith4049]

@@althesmith One must know the dark, to truly appreciate the light.

[@NancyR3454]

I’m happy with it right here on this beautiful Earth.

[@hemiolaguy]

@@althesmith Did Mr. Pratchett and Mr. Gaiman forget about J. S. Bach? If any composer made it into heaven, it would be Bach. All of his music had the idea "Soli Deo Gloria" behind it ("for the glory of God").

[@althesmith]

@@hemiolaguy It's fantasy/humour. Lighten up. Neither writer is/was particularly religious.

[@chessmaster109]

How can anyone say this isn't a beautiful piece of music, I could listen to this all day!

[@kevinkurtz9889]

Though I've listened to this many times it is Memorial Day 2019 that brought me here today. God Bless.

[@redskindan78]

This was a perfect choice for so much of the "Civil War" documentary...and beautiful all by itself. I think of it every time I drive out NY state Route 28, just past the Woodstock turn-off, and see the signs "Ashokan was located here before they built the reservoir", or words to that effect.

[@pabrizzer]

Jay has given the world a beautiful piece of music! Thank you!

[@genehesser1855]

Don't over analyze this, think of the PBS series and what it represented. This theme song was the poignant start and end of the series. If one watched this program more than once, the Ashokan Farewell became this haunting interlude for every episode. It still breaks my heart to hear this tune. The Civil War was an American tragedy and we are still paying the price.

[@garyzocolo9548]

So true. Nothing about it was "Civil". I fear an all too real re-enactment in today's fractured political climate.

[@hpritchard1000]

You are absolutely correct. Just a note: My son was watching the Civil War in an adjacent room when I was working on the computer, and every night I kept hearing this interlude that was so haunting. I finally got up and went into the other room and asked him, "What are you watching"; I sat down that evening and became enthralled in the program. I watched it for several more nights and then every time a rerun was shown. Then that wasn't enough, I read Shelby Foote's three volumes,, all three volumes three times. True the war was an American tragedy and it is still going on. The best I could take from all this is that the war should not have happened.

[@SteveSmith-bg1dw]

Sadfly, and in fair degree due to his conscious choices, Ken Burns painted over much of the ugliness, starting with Shelby Foote as one of the narrators and ending with not having Reconstruction as part of the original.

[@LearningCloudCuz-n]

The war had to happen. The sin of slavery is what shouldn't have happened. What? In 1861 keep the peace and the institution of SLAVERY!

[@brucekuehn4031]

This tune and the soothing voice of David McCullough - a great memory from PBS

[@rudbeckia885]

When I went to Gettysburg...this song spoke to all the young lads who died on the piece of soil...god rest their souls, for the inhumanity brought forth .

[@darkelady58]

I had the honor of seeing a live performance by Jay Unger at my local opera house. He closed the show with this song. I just closed my eyes, sat back and drank it in. Best fiddle player ever.

[@timcrowley3335]

This piece moves me to places that few if any others can. I only wonder what it would have been like if I had heard it before it became, in my mind, inseparably fused to Ken Burn's Civil War. How often can an instrumental seem so perfect that no lyrics are required. Listening to it unclutters my physical space and allows me to often wander to tender sentimental places. Jay Unger's creations are proof to us that musical genius is still with us here on Earth.

[@rooseveltnut]

Some of the most beautiful music ever composed.

[@angelsonthemountain321]

The first time I came across Jay Ungar and Molly Mason was when I borrowed the soundtrack of the documentary "my Brother's Keeper" from the local library some dozen or so years ago. I fell head over heels and have been a fan ever since. Ken Burns showed some incredible musical sensibility is choosing Askokan Farewell. Ironically, I live in a village that suffered much the same fate as Ashokan.

[@dukeallen2001]

Wonderful. Excuse me, something in my eye...

[@eddriver7815]

me too !!!!!! If there was a god , this would be fit to play for him/herb mesmerizing ... simply mesmerizing . I can hear David McCullough speaking , we can all feel the sorrow over something so dreadful . If there is/was a god , this would be fit to lay for him/her

[@brettyoung5707]

Mine too.

[@kevintuma1193]

It is Okay to Cry, Tears are God's way of cleansing the Soul, use them often ! God Bless.

[@bensharp575]

I cried everytime they played this on the Civil War Series.

[@bloodhoundgang1642]

I had a bubble to watching an Abraham Lincoln documentary with this music playing..

[@joemulder6530]

I think of my Great Great Grandfather when I listen to this tune, who died while fighting the war in 1863 in Nashville, Tennessee. He was 46 years old and had a wife and children at home in Ohio. His second child was my Great Grandfather, who lost his older brother in 1863 along with his father. My Great Grandfather moved to Michigan in 1884 and eighty-one wars later, wars that involved the United States and many of my family, I still live free in Michigan.

[@markferrari8955]

Joe Mulder in terms of history it was not so long ago and in terms of your family...the same, great post.

[@1busybeekeeper]

I had never heard this piece of music before I attended a dear friend's funeral, BUT Oh! how it "grabbed" me, I don't know whether or not my friend was a Scot or had Scottish ancestry, BUT Oh1 how this music makes me quiver with emotion,

[@johnbower160]

This was player at my wifes funeral and I keep on playing it over and over ever since.

[@gaborkorthy8355]

Often I can hear God’s voice coming through a violin. I just did !

[@nellspencer6417]

I live in Cornwall, in the old heartland of tin mining. This reminds me of the Cornish Diaspora, when thousands of miners, with or without, their families left home for a better life in all parts of the world. A truly emotive and emotionally charged piece of music. Kernow bys vyken

[@dalejablonski436]

Such a beautiful piece of music. Thank you Mr. Ungar. It brings me to tears and I don't care.

[@peterhutchins9246]

One of the great American pieces of music of all time. So full of historical significance.

[@irvinslagter8298]

Jay and Molly make the perfect pair. The smile on Jays face when Molly plays the guitar solo says it all. That song is absolutely beautiful and haunting at the same time. Wonderful.

[@rebel55th]

I love this tune. It brings tears to my eyes

[@lindascanlan6317]

Mine too

[@Sean_Coyne]

I had the great pleasure to meet Jay in Oz when he was touring here and we had a very enjoyable afternoon playing together at our local Irish music session. I had always loved Ashokan Farewell, ever since it featured in Ken Burns Civil War series. I play both fiddle and Irish uilleann pipes, so Jay was fascinated to hear my slightly adapted version played as an "Irish" air on the pipes.

[@michaelmichael8406]

I would love to hear that.

[@pertrygvestevikjohnsen7146]

One of the most specially beautiful tunes ever made!

[@IDF1987]

The Civil War was fought in ten thousand places; from Valverde, New Mexico and Tullahoma, Tennessee, to St. Albans in Vermont, and Fernandina, on the Florida coast...

[@nitemoovs]

+Ben yea but it has NOTHING to do with the Civil War.

[@IDF1987]

Watch "Ken Burns: The Civil War." This song (written in the 1980s and the only non period piece in the film) is used as the background for many of the documentary's more famous narrations.

[@imacomputerbuddie]

+Ben he wrote it after afestival he was playing at that had ended and he felt very flat as we all do. it was picked up by the the Civil war seris. This song remidne of my great friend Jeff Neman who passed awy in 2004.

[@williammcdonough7521]

If only the scuzzy Southerners hadn't become traitors to our Nation...

[@williammcdonough7521]

@@nitemoovs ....I see...it was about Disneyland, right ?

[@woodiethompson526]

How amazing is it that Mr Ungers' music found it's way to Ken Burns ears in time for his civil war documentary, there's never been a more perfect match of music to subject!

[@BlueRidgeMtns100]

I agree completely.

[@Betterifitsfree]

Perfect timing for a good reason perhaps?

[@karinberryman7970]

Wow, the warmth of that guitar is hypnotizing! The violin already has us about ready to melt on the spot!

[@shadowdancersxfile9]

I've listened to this since it was first done in Ken Burns' Civil War, as another musician who can no longer play, one of the most beautiful and most haunting melodies in existence for the modern age.

[@justanotherpeasant3442]

Without a doubt, the most beautiful piece of music I've ever heard. I can't keep a dry eye during this tune.

[@williamknopp1730]

Makes me feel at home in Kentucky when I hear this beautiful song. I feel so at ease and long for the days of long ago.

[@newyorkvideoservice1144]

These guys were a joy to film and deal with. What a wonderful concert it was!

[@RRSchwab]

This arrangement is so haunting and beautiful. It appears set in a time long past, but yet is so current. Ken Burns used it so wisely for his civil war documentary, which was perfect. Can not help the tears when hearing it, as it brings out so much emotion. 600,000 Americans died in a blood bath to preserve our country and free the slaves. And, our greatest President was murdered. If that isn't 'reparations' for slavery, what else is?

[@paradiddle1]

If this song isn’t playing as I enter heaven, I’m walking right out.

[@timothypegley926]

Timothy Pegley of London if there is music in Heaven this is how it sounds,, Like many of you i first heard it as the accompanying music to the series on the American Civil War,,,the music is made infinitely more heart rending by the shear destruction and callous waste of a generation of young men.,,,,Personally i have always declared that there is within all of us a "Magnum Opus," this wonderful music is Mr Ungars "Magnum Opus".

[@Dldmny]

The perfect combination of mutual love, respect and artistry.

[@perspellman]

The most beautiful farewell I know, musically. I read that a man's wife wanted it played at her own funeral. She did, and that's most touching. Some still believe it is an original tune from the time of the American Civil War, no wonder as it speaks through the ages, absolutely timeless. You have really moved so many people's hearts, Jay. Thank You!

[@Penthor]

I do believe the reading of Sullivan Ballou's letter, accompanied by this tune, is the best TV moment i've seen.

[@user-wq4hb4lz3f]

I completely agree, gets me every time

[@shirleeschuster7393]

I thank God that he put people on this earth who make such beautiful music- and they seem to do it so effortlessly. Just amazing...

[@philpryor7524]

...as pretty as the loveliest dawn, the pretty smile, a moment of joy, a child's happy laugh...

[@roneagle8038]

This beautiful music, and the accompanying narration from the departed soldier, Major Sullivan Ballou, evokes all the sadness, and the beauty of the love for a country, and the love of a man for his woman. Sad, yet beautiful.

[@blodau61]

We played this at my Mum's funeral 7 years ago. We were two recorders and a lyre. we also played Llwyn Onn (The Ash Grove). Both pieces are very beautiful.

[@mikey76710]

When i die lay me out facing the sun play this beautiful music and leave a beer on my grave

[@vincentpertoso3148]

Amen!

[@pjstar2009]

Me, too

[@williammcdonough7521]

Such a waste of Beer ! How about just leaving an empty bottle by your grave while I process the beer through my system, first.

[@williammcdonough7521]

...and a long straw.

[@robthequiet]

Make mine a smoky single malt.

[@woodiethompson526]

I think the fact that this music has been paired with the civil war makes its sadness even more compelling!

[@jacquiebockius1523]

It was a theme all through Ken Burns' Civil War series. Unforgettable beguiling music.

[@AmericanPatriot1970]

Met in Berea College Kentucky 1992ish with ballroom dancers in period attire. Invited to after performance wine and cheese...will never forget their fine humility, hospitality and sincere warmth for a HUGE Fan. Thank you always Jay and Molly. I play almost every day...almost. Go Easy my forefathers and comrades in arms...I'll see you soon enough.

[@chedderman101]

I was a part of this ensemble in my choir class that performed this at state competition and we got a standing ovation it was awesome this song is so beautiful

[@toodie535]

it has words??

[@donalddenison8896]

I have found this to be one of the most beautiful and haunting melodies I have ever heard. It has special memories of a lost dear friend associated with it, she played it as well as any I have heard. Hearing it again with the guitar accompaniment much like I used to play for her is both heartbreaking and life affirming. Thanks for posting this beautiful piece of music.

[@shaneoneil6088]

This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever created.

[@donnyhawk662]

How could anyone give this beautiful song a thumbs down?..

[@tag10uk]

How can 36 people (at the time of writing) not like this? This is about as good as North American folk fiddling gets, a real treat.

[@jkmorrison1013]

one of the lovliest tunes ever composed in the history of makind.

[@KickinChicken6]

Masterpiece. Nothing else to say.

[@michaelgeary4978]

Why do I get choked up whenever I hear it? Even the thousandth time. Simply so sorrowful and beautiful...

[@charlesstuart7290]

The same reason I get choked up every time I hear the doomed Sullivan Belleau's last letter to his wife,

[@stevenbone5621]

Having this played at my Mothers Funeral on Fridsy as we carry in her coffin, can't think of a finer tribute.

[@kevinw9073]

One of the most beautiful and haunting musical selections ever. Bravo. well done.

[@tracisanchez3399]

Such a sad , lonesome beautiful melody .I can see in my mind the ghostly spirits walking the battlefields of Gettysburg .

[@sirmeowthelibrarycat]

😢 This beautiful music reminds me of the Scots Pipes and Drums playing ‘Flowers of the Forest ’ during the Remembrance Day gathering at the Cenotaph in London. It never fails to leave me in tears. R.I.P 💐

[@findmejak1]

Beautiful tune with its roots based in a Scottish lament, which you can clearly hear

[@davidsmith172]

Didn't know the Scottish connection..glad I do now

[@cjsb22lr]

Maids of ARROCHAR ----------SOMETHING ELSE AND ROSE OP TRALEE

[@marionmcmillan2680]

@@cjsb22lr yes, I came across 'the maids of arrochar' when I was researching robert tannahill, in paisley library.

[@PatrickKelly-lz3pv]

this beautiful music sounds like "The Rose of Tralee " and that is Irish, the Scottish claim every thing as their own, in 1960 Elvis had a unscheduled landing at Prestwick airport in Ayrshire Scotland he was there for two hours but the Scots have been calling him Elvis McPresley ever since then.

[@cjsb22lr]

you are quite right-----rose of tralee is Irish ------the other two--maids of arrochar and the third whose name i cannot remember are Scottish!

[@twilson662]

Thank you for the music. This tune pulls at my soul and brings tears to my old eyes.

[@tiredlawdog]

That was without a doubt the most beautiful song ever written and performed. I can't hear it though without seeing scenes from the darkest pages of America's past.

[@thedaringdragoon]

Always have loved this. When combined with a reading of the Sullivan Ballou Letter. It can break your heart.

[@beautifuldreamer6247]

I once took a fiddle lesson from Jay Unger at the arts center in Garrison on Hudson. That was over 40 years ago, long before Jay became famous. Thank you for this Jay!

[@stevee8884]

The greatest Civil War song that was never played during the war!

[@pjk]

One of the most moving pieces of music ever written. So mournful. It was the perfect choice for the Ken Burns masterpiece on the Civil War. I can't listen to the music without thinking of all those who died when our country was torn apart.

[@sirmeowthelibrarycat]

Paul Karp 😢 I agree with your sentiments. I watched the PBS Ken Burns masterpiece on the American Civil War here in Britain. This music always brought me to tears every time it was played in each episode. The lament for the fallen of both sides is so emotionally wrenching, particularly when thinking of the extent of the slaughter that took place between 1861 - 1865. R.I.P 💐

[@markpeterson2776]

This beautiful song defines the term "haunting melody". This is the tune that, when you and your dearest friend are standing, awestruck, listening, fades off into the distance and you turn to your friend and the only thing you can say is '... "My god, did you hear that?"

[@joanbreva5569]

I've already asked that this be played at my funeral. It might bring a tear or two to the eyes of those that attend. I think it's one of the most beautiful pieces I've ever heard.

[@garyzocolo9548]

My son is a violin concertmaster at the University level...first chair...I too have asked him to play this at whatever memorial happens at my demise.

[@oscarwildeghost]

We played my best friend to that long final sleep to this wonderful song just a week ago. May the angels welcome him home and may they dance beneath the trees to this most heartfelt of musical prayers. What a masterpiece Jay created, and how we enjoyed it over the years over a fire and a nice bottle of beer. Sleep well my old friend, soon we'll be together again.

[@judythompson5253]

Annnd just because it's "new" doesn't mean it can't move us, or stir us to tears. Too many people insist on age to mellow a song. This starts out sounding old and ends sounding like the kind of the thing you'd have heard around a campfire , and it's perfect.

[@stevetillcock7361]

I followed the Ken Burns series on TV and in due time bought the box set. BUT I discovered that this ballad was not as old as it sounds BUT was composed for the doc. No harm done.

[@anselmarubin9110]

Jay and Molly ran (still run?) seasonal Ashokan Fiddle and Dance Camps in the Catskills. near the Ashokan Reservoir. Jay wrote this tune as a way to end camp. It perfectly captures the sweetness and the sadness. He would start out solo, then everyone would join in, walking through the wooded camp, ending up in a circle. I attended for 10 year. One of my best memories, still.