"Ashokan Farewell" Doc and The Lady

Thank you for all the kind comments on our version of Ashokan Farewell! Please subscribe to our channel to get updates when we add new videos

[@kspill172]

Tonight as I sit here and Am listening to this great played piece I am remineded of home. The smells of our cornfield, the brite sun beating down, the smell of the grass first thing in the morning before the dew has had a chance to escape into the sun, who says well played music is not powerful!!!! thankyou both

[@rustyharris9481]

First time I heard this song, watching the PBS "Civil War" documentary, it gave me goose bumps. Hearing it again, my arm has goose bumps again. It's such a mournful and haunting song.

[@danielgreen5432]

Deployed Marine here. Every time I hear this melody and it's haunting salutation, I'm taken back to those who went before me and allowed me to wear the cloth of my nation. This is such a beautiful song and a beautiful rendition by you two. Thank you for this. Somehow in this song, I'm connected to the long line of Americans who went before us. Thanks. Thanks. And, ever thanks.

[@doc84662]

No Thank you for your service. God Bless America!

[@claytonpepper2827]

thank you for your serivce sir, semper fi marine

[@pacifikorse_canal_historique]

thanks for that you are - a french

[@The50Fordman]

Thank you for your service. USN 1966-1979, USMM 1979-2006.

[@geniemcdonald8511]

God blessed us with you--our protector. Thank you.

[@donfeenie]

The most haunting, rich and captivating rendition of one of the most beautiful melodies ever written. Doc and The Lady produce an etherial sound that I can't seem to get enough of. Thank you!

[@jponabicycle]

I agree and said the same thing the first time I heard it.

[@taporte]

I've been a performing musician for 35 years now, the last 16 in a Celtic Band. With the Celtic Band I've had the joy of performing and singing the National Anthem 7 times at Shea Stadium, and playing hundreds of festivals filled with great fiddle players. However - this is the BEST I've ever seen. Best tone, best slides, and the double notes from about 4:15 on are simply awesome. THANK-YOU for a great performance !! (tasty solo by Doc as well !!)

[@benjaminsmith9505]

This music has helped so much with the grieving of my identical twin and only sibling who took his own life recently. I listen to this over and over and just move through the grief and have eventually come to a place where I am more at peace with it. I can't tell you how grateful I am that you put this out there. I can't thank the two of you enough

[@doc84662]

Thank you so much Benjamin. That is why we play and share with others. We both have been busy the last few years with family and not to mention the Covid mess but realize this is what we love to do the most. We will be posting again with more original stuff also. Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God"

[@prandallwright1]

God bless you...

[@usualfulful]

She can make the violin sound so sad that angels are brought to tears. This is my favorite interpretation of the song.

[@domenicdipasquale623]

Ditto

[@mikeprevost8650]

By far, the best I've ever heard.

[@tomlakin3589]

One of the most beautiful renditions of this song I have ever heard. She plays a haunting melody with such deep feeling.

[@angielawson3447]

This is the most haunting melody I have ever heard. I play it over and over.

[@jer291113]

Beautifully played...thank you!

[@DanielCPurdy]

Me too.

[@ilovenyiloveny1140]

Jay Unger, who wrote the music, was in tears the first time he composed and played it for himself.

[@donaldmmclane573]

This song is the long cry for all the American soldiers who fought in a war. Civil War

[@besomebody01]

A great song played with much passion by two very talented musicians results in a magical moment!

[@Fenianboyo]

I just want to thank y'all. We played this my Grandmother today at her graveside service because I thought it exemplified the grace with which she lived her life so well. Thank you for this.

[@Waltheerful]

The best version I have heard ever. Beautiful tune, excellent arrangement and a stunning girl.

[@usmcbrat2]

I've never heard a better rendition of this song than this one. And the violinist's body language is delicious. I believe that she loves this song, she loves to play the violin, she loves the people around her, and it all shines through in her music. Truly a joy to watch. Thanks for posting!

[@patrickgudaitis]

When I go on to meet my maker, I want Ashocan Farewell played at my funeral. This version of Jay Unger's music is outstanding. They have "heart," and bring it to mine. It moves about in a sweet tempo adjusting with ones soul. Hats off to Doc and the Lady!

[@62Mitch]

This rendition of Ashokan Farewell is one of the loveliest I have heard. I fell in love with song when I first watched Ken Burn's Civil War. I have played it in a brass arrangement. Lovely..Lovely..it conveys the sprirt that I think Jay Unger was looking for...wonderful work.

[@jackriley8484]

I like the fact that you play it slower than the other versions. It gives you a chance to enjoy the notes a bit longer. It's almost more 'respectful' of the notes, if that makes sense.

[@nancyverser5969]

My sentiments, exactly.

[@duigiud]

Could not agree more! Someone needs to put lyrics to this tune.

[@lindaberg1695]

Now this is how this song should be played, as a lament with just fiddle and guitar. It's so beautiful! Every time I hear this song I tear up....thanks so much for this lovely rendition of such a beautiful song.

[@teddybass12345]

my favorite moment is at 4:21 when the blend of guitar and violin is so excruciatingly wonderful that the lady breaks into a smile that says "wow this is a perfect moment". thank you

[@mikeprevost8650]

She's playing two parts there--on Unger's version, there's a second violin playing the harmony. She's doing both herself.

[@kcbasscadet]

What makes this so amazing is the restraint shown on the part of both musicians. Absolutely stunning rendition, an incredible piece of music, and it warms my heart to know that so many others out there still have good taste in art.

[@rheajohson4420]

Most beautiful forlorn farewell song ever written in my opinion

[@Karliiito]

Can I pay the ultimate compliment here? This song and this rendition were both way AFTER their time! fantastic!

[@CBCycles]

i discovered this video several months ago, and played it nearly every day for a couple of weeks. Of course, after a while it gets a bit played out and you move on. Well, i came back and heard it again today and i was reminded why i liked it so much - it's simply magic. The Lady's rendition is absolutely superb, not to mention she's real easy on the eyes, and The Doc with his stoic look and solid playing is the perfect partner for her. This is a real treasure, thanks

[@ochachaway]

HOW COULD THERE POSSIBLY BE ANY DISLIKES. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MUSICAL RENDITIONS ON YOU TUBE.

[@russcurtis9357]

If you can tell me how Maxine Waters can get elected to the U.S. House of Representatives .. you'll have your answer.

[@alan4sure]

Turn off caps lock. Quit yelling.

[@drmckee]

@@alan4sure There is no such thing as yelling in typed text. That is something you read somewhere on the internet. Some use all caps due to some vision problems. Not one thing wrong with it. Just skip over any posts you believe does not meet your misguided standards.

[@alan4sure]

@@drmckee Typing in CAPS has been considered yelling since internet forums first became popular back in about 1980s. Maybe you weren't around or aware of it since back then. Windows has built in accessibility features for vision probs. No need to use caps.

[@drmckee]

@@alan4sure You proved my point, 4sure. "You read it on the internet, in a forum so it has to be true", Right? I got my first computer in the early 80s back when the forums were BBS or usegroups. I am old and in the grey. And no one can convince me the you can YELL when you are writing or typing. It is just not possible. As a author, one could use all caps to give a perception a subject was yelling. But it would only be a perception, not actual yelling. I will say no more on the subject. So go troll some other videos which you will...4sure.

[@painter790]

Wow! I'm overwhelmed. Have never heard a better expression of that song. I'm in love with The Lady and her violin---her nuances and inflections she puts in to the violin are absolutely perfect for that the Ashokan Farewell.

[@jamesreed7528]

painter790 I need to apologize to Doc for ignoring him. Now that I listen to this on my Ipod, out of the sight and visual charms of the Lady, I see how the blending of the guitar notes, which is so well done, really ads to this piece. The last half is now my favorite part

[@andybak9971]

painter790

[@sanfranciscobay]

Very nice. I like the way the violinist slides the change in notes. She sounds talented. Amazing the fullness of the song with only two people playing.

[@truthtopoly]

My hat is off to "the lady" as you have captured the spirit of this music. Your timing is perfect. The way you flow with it makes it come alive within me. I feel it express hope and the sadness of reality. It is "THE" best rendition of this my favorite of all. A moving experience. Thank you for this gift, Wayne

[@aileron48]

One of the most beautiful American Anthems we have, thanks to Mr. Ungar. Very well performed!!

[@doc84662]

Just so you all know, this song moves us when we play it together as much as it does some of you. Thank you for your nice comments and Thank you Jay Ungar!

[@Turnoutthelightsnow]

Your music washes away the day-to-day. Thank you and God bless you.

[@leece_6702]

Indeed!

[@leece_6702]

Sure is!

[@DJC1004]

You have sheet music for your version?

[@davidmatz5036]

The very first time I heard this, I thought to myself: “ why has this beautiful, haunting piece not been showcased as one of the best songs that came out of the Civil War”? Of course, its composer hadn’t been born yet for decades. Your (both of you) rendition is so tender and bittersweet, and captured the musical intimacy. But the highlight for me, a sappy old man, was your perfectly emphatic, executed ascending glissando - first time at around 1:21-1:22. Pretty much lost it there, thinking about the magnitude of our nation’s tragedy. You make that fiddle sing and weep. Thank you both!

[@kaczoo12345]

I am a first year violin student working on this Ashokan Farewell while observing your performance. Your rendition is the gold standard I can only hope to achieve. Thank you for the inspiration. Laura

[@keithneese]

By far the most beautiful version of this song I have ever heard.

[@Georgejmh]

Anyone who has a child who could play violin as well as this young lady, would have to be very proud of her ability, in this performance. Bravo!

[@ScotchIrishFool1]

This is a great version of Ashoken Farewell, and her interpretation is very deep and beautiful. Jay couldn't have done his own song any better, nor Molly. Wonderfully done!

[@DerrickFenger]

Glad to know that people out there still appreciate beautiful music and beautiful instruments! :)

[@os421]

Jesus Christ. That may be the most beautiful music ever produced from human hands. This is absolutely beautiful.

[@richardfoos4989]

who could doubt the existence of God after listening to this music

[@toddsalvati5694]

It really is. Every time I hear it I get chills.

[@diamondsfinest9386]

yeah and when I say "hey how about some fiddle music" rock people are like "but no one will like that". Its like..... thats cause you haven' heard it yet lol

[@freewill1114]

You will get no argument from me. The first time I heard it, tears flowed.

[@BaronVK1]

The Doc accompanies The Lady perfectly and keeps the mournful quality of the song alive. Excellent!

[@annabellawatt3708]

This is my favorite piece of music I have ever heard. My Granddaughter played it at her violin recital and it brought me to tears.

[@SimpleImogen]

Since I started playing violin 10 years ago, and even before then listening to my family members playing this, I grew up playing irish and scottish folk music and Ashokan Farewell was and has remained my favourite tune. It's so beautiful and this version is absolutely stunning. I want you on my iPod!!

[@stevesprinceofsteaks]

Fantastic!!! One of the very best versions of this song I have ever heard. This could bring tears to a glass eye. Thank you so much.

[@LeeRustyWallerAURAK]

My wife and I absolutely love your music. We sit and listen to this video again and again. We even know how many times you smile as you play this awesome music. The Lord has blessed you with a great talent.

[@mjackson74]

The long extended notes are beautiful. Really helps one feel all of the emotions that flow thru during the course of the song. Happy, sad; HOPEFUL......but in the end full of memories for something a long time lost. 😢

[@Georgejmh]

She actually makes the violin cry. Tears practically run off of it.

[@andybluestein]

Any decent players can do this song, but it is your passion that makes it outstanding !!! Jay Unger wrote it as a "Lament" and that is exactly how you two play it. Wonderful !!

[@TwinWhistle]

So 9 people were crying so hard they hit the "dislike" button. This is so amazing and beautiful. Thank you...

[@tankmaster1018]

I've been coming back to this version of Ashokan Farewell for around 8 years now... Still never fails to give me goosebumps! The chemistry and emotion put into this performance is still unrivaled in my opinion!

[@lastofthelapras]

The artistry here. Ashokan Farewell is a stunning (and somewhat forgiving) piece of music, but this is some next-level mastery. Doc and the Lady should have made about 100 more recordings for posterity, because there's an unparalleled level of sensitivity and musicianship on display here. If you guys ever tour or record again, I will be front-row.

[@pappyfiddle]

One of the finest performances I've ever seen.

[@SkipVanLenten]

Angels and fiddles just go together, and you don't sound too bad yourself, Doc. I'm with Boomaseeka....your music is a gift to all of us.

[@davidwolf226]

So elegantly played! What a beautiful tribute to the music of the mid 19th century... knowing that this song was written by Jay Ungar in 1982.

[@harrymoschl]

The best version of this Song I‘ve ever heard

[@maureeneinfeldt8773]

So lovely. Our son and daughter played this at our daughter's funeral. It, like this, was a beautiful guitar/violin duet. Thank you so very much. Our daughter had played this so many times. I could listen over and over.

[@uscgkid109]

I've been playing music my whole life. I play Guitar, Piano, and Trumpet, and I've yet to come across a song thats so deep... just so absolutely the most beautiful piece of music. Great job guys!

[@parttimepicker]

One of my all time favorite pieces and I don't think I've ever heard it done any better. Simply beautiful!

[@walterwallyb1]

Using this song for the Civil war presentation, was an A+, It gave soul to all the many pictures and suffering on both sides.

[@threetowner]

Such a captivating rendition of this very haunting tune. Found it very moving while watching the Ken Burns' documentary on the civil war. Being a Scot I feel it could have been used equally well on a documentary on the Highland clearances, when whole clans where transported to America. Jay Ungar wrote: "Ashokan Farewell was written in the style of a Scottish lament." My Celtic roots tells me he nailed it. Hoping to hear it played at our Australian national Celtic festival in June.

[@bootsnsaddles1958]

Lovely but yet haunting piece of music. Ken Burns turned me on to it, and my love of that song grows each time I hear it. This is a fantastic version of it.

[@williamcooper431]

I have listened to this so many times and it still blows me away. Outstanding performance.

[@dbarrystock]

Me as well.

[@handy335]

It isn't broke...please don't "fix it". Little lady...you grabbed my heart with this piece. Your soul is in the fiddle and the fiddle is in your soul. Let it be so. Thank you!

[@StevieB1362]

27 Tasteless Knuckleheads ! Anyways, thanks for posting this. What a great tribute to Jay Unger. He must be very proud to have written such a beautiful, timeless piece of art. God has used you to bless us all.

[@bookersbay]

One of the very best renditions of this tune that I have evr heard.. You people are very deserving of all the praise that has been heaped on you... This rendition brings tears to my eyes for NO apparent reason.. What is that for a 66 year old man..??

[@frankokeeffe]

WOW!! I've heard this tune now many times. I think it's one of the best pieces of music I've ever heard. I'd love to put some words to it and make a song, but how could you sing something to this without breaking out in tears. Just the music does that to me. And especially the way you two play it. Jay and Molly would be proud of you. Thanks for posting.

[@SaxManiac100]

In my opinion, this is the best rendition of this tune on KZbin. Absolutely beautiful, and the player isn't hard to look at either. Thank you

[@afairfax6456]

Such a beautiful song. It is right up there with Londonderry Air (Danny Boy). Hauntingly beautiful. Thank you.

[@pfewell]

It is refreshing to see so many good comments about good music. It is nice to know that there are so many people out there that can appreciate good music from good performers like this. How that makes me wish that people in general were nicer to each other, and we would not have to worry about wars and crime, and the ugliness that so often intrudes into our lives. At least for 5 minutes and thirty-two seconds, we have peace and a bit of heaven. Thanks for that.

[@flybassdotcom]

I' happened to watch the documentary the other night. The thing that stuck with me more than anything was that hauntingly beautiful tune. I simply had to find out how did it. I heard Jay's original, which was awesome. Then I came upon yours. WOW. It's one of the most moving pieces of music I've ever heard. I've been playing for along time and have already learned the guitar part. Shimock said it best in their comment, this is the anthem for the journey home.

[@jbeasley60]

Lady, you are an inspiration to an old retired Green Beret. Listening to this and A Maiden's Prayer has inspired me to learn this great sounding instrument. Thank you pretty lady!!

[@woodstoney]

I just visited this beautiful song 13 years after I first heard them play it and it still sounds every bit as sweet and emotion-filled as it did the first time. Great feeling!! Obviously, there are over 100 people who are unable to appreciate good ancestral music. Pity them...

[@scotjack]

Superb! This girl must have perfect pitch - every note and harmony was spot on.

[@durdle1701]

If this don't make you cry there's something wrong with you. I love the slower tempo and emotion brought about in this arrangement. Great job guys!

[@barrycannon163]

Moving and beautiful. Thank you so much. I do not understand how anyone could dislike this.

[@lanslay7342]

Absolutely beautiful and very beautifully done!!!🛐👏👍✝️🌹🌹✝️❤️💓💕💕💗🇺🇸🎆🌄🕎🔯

[@blobusus]

That was lovely. Something tells me this tune will endure after all other 20th century American music has faded away.

[@pastorjackw]

Hauntingly beautiful. Play with such sensitivity and love. Thank you.

[@JackandSally4ever]

Gosh... This song just brings tears to my eyes whenever I hear it. Especially when someone plays it with so much emotion.

[@Folma7]

After twenty years this mournful tune is still one of my favorites. Lady's interpretation is uniquely hers, she makes it very personal. And as a previous poster put it, "this music proves we are not of this world"! That is, this piece and RVW's "The Lark Ascending".

[@TModel15]

A rocky Maine coast sunrise and a Canadian Rockies sunset are appropriate settings to accompany this beautiful rendition. Then, if ever, comes a perfect day. Bravo!

[@guambetty]

Yes, had to revisit `cause of the few renditions I heard of this piece ( never heard of Ashokan Farewell before) this has got to be the best in my opinion. Doc`s guitar accompaniment is just beautiful! Thank you!

[@ariaproIIfreak]

awsome fiddle playing. Love this tune. Makes a bad day seem peaceful to listen to this! Thanks!!

[@williamstrange6788]

I agree this is the best rendition of this song that I have ever heard. They are both very talented.

[@JohnMistyWoods]

Wow, again & again; every time I listen to you two-- so moving, to tears. I played this as a violinist with another with piano accompaniment years ago (90's), and it was good enough to get chills myself, give chills to others & get applause (usually delayed!); however, your version is infinitely more heart-felt, soulful, passionate, & inspired. Thank you, Mark & Kelly.

[@williamstrange6788]

This always brings tears to my eyes espcially when it is done this beautifully, I am very grateful for you two doing such a amazing job =)

[@bobbyact]

Cannot help but choke up every single time. Beautiful rendition of Unger/Mason's gift to the world.

[@airopp81]

Wow!! Just mesmerizing! Totally Speechless.....You too have something very special here! I've never heard, and perhaps never will hear a more beautiful rendition of ashokan farewell.

[@sosome57IHateGooglePlus]

Wow. That's about the most beautiful rendition of Ashokan Farewell I've heard. Two Extraordinary musicians. Thanks for sharing this.

[@ansgarduemchen7465]

One of the most hauntingly beautiful melodies I have ever heard

[@lookoutforchris]

Straight from the Catskills mountains of New York.

[@jagmlgwdsx]

most haunting and exquisite music thanks so much to you guys.

[@KarenUllom]

This mournful melody captured my heart. I don't know if the words are sad, but the music is simply beautiful. I REALLY have enjoyed the melody a great deal and have added it to my play list. Thank you for this rendition. I had never heard of this song until Susan Branch added the link to her BLOG, so you can thank her for exposing you to thousands to happy readers. Karen Lighthall

[@KKClassics]

As a H.S./U.S. History teacher, I show the video "Sullivan Ballou's Letter To His Wife" to my classes; the Ashokan Farewell is playing in the background. Although I have used this over 30-40 times, the music adds to the reality of war and its casualties. I can honestly say I am emotionally caught up each and every time I show it; the beautiful words he wrote...coupled with the beautiful music accompanying it...make it noteworthy every time.

[@taylorw]

Ken Klein - what do your students say? Grades?

[@richardfoos4989]

I USED TO CARY A COPY OF THE LETTER IN MY BILLFOLD -- DON'T KNOW WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO IT

[@toddsalvati5694]

This song, coupled with the reading of that letter can bring grown men to tears.

[@SeekerGoldstone]

Fun fact: this song was originally written to be played on the final day of Ashokan Violin Summer Camp. Its about how it's kinda sad to leave your camp-friends. Kinda puts it in a different perspective, huh? It's for children learning violin but makes us think of brutal combat and loss. It makes us think of the southern States but Ashokan is in New York state. People think it sounds Irish but it's written in the style of a Scottish Lament. Very interesting piece of music.

[@gmoschetto1]

You might teach them that the sadness stems from the fact that the entire village of Ashokan was destroyed when it was flooded to create the largest NY City resavoir .

[@Georgejmh]

God, she plays beautifully and at precisely the correct tempo & speed. Wonderful!

[@StevieB1362]

Breathtaking! She's a violin section all by herself. Best interpretation ever, bar none. I believe this & Cavatina are the two most beautiful songs I have ever heard.

[@weepingboy3]

If a violin can cry so can I .. I absolutely love this music

[@StevieB1362]

Oh my gosh! Still my favorite rendition of this beautiful haunting song. How do you make it sound like two fiddles anyway? I still can't believe it wasn't written during the Civil War. Even when she's accompanying the lovely but sad guitar solo, it is just so damned beautiful. But, what I really want to ask is will you play this at my funeral? I figure that way, even the folks that hate me will have to cry. Then I get the last laugh, Hee Haw ! ! Thanks for this heart-melting music !

[@michaelnelson3469]

I agree, I have heard many renditions of this wonderful song, but you two absolutely nailed it. The slippery, squeezy feel of the fiddle brings tears to my eyes. The guitar work is gorgeous too. Thanks so much!

[@charleschurch8379]

Have played this and heard it played for many years. Never..... never have I heard it played half so well. Deeply touched. Who is this woman? Loved the guitar solo on it too.

[@Asmoharg]

I don't expect to die for another 40 years or so, but having just listened to this, I shall want you guys to play it at my funeral. Incredibly moving.

[@PatTucker13]

You really play it so well. The violin sings. I love the way the two of you have put this together. It is really terrific and so moving.

[@475hkn]

All I can say is WOW! Very beautiful. I, being a huge Blue-Grass and acoustic music fan and musican can say that I have never heard this piece played any prettier. Great job!

[@lanslay7342]

Absolutely beautiful and very beautifully!!🛐👏✝️🌹❤️💕💓🇺🇸🎆🌄💗

[@jingleman1]

Beautiful rendition, and a good quality video and audio recording. Thanks to all who contributed. I loved this song when Ken Burns' documentary was aired here in the UK.

[@horsepukey]

I must thank you, listening to this lovely peice has lessen my many burdens, and lighten my heart and is now filled with joy. Once again thank you for sharing this lovely labor of love with all of us.

[@eqgilethan]

Very beautiful heartfelt version of this song. A wonderful cover of the original so very worthy of note. Great job folks!