Ashokan Farewell from the film "The Civil War" by Jay Ungar

Ashokan Farewell from the film "The Civil War"
Words and Music by Jay Ungar
Arranged by Bob Cerulli
Chinese Artists Society of Toronto Youth Orchestra
Conductor: Tony Fan
CASTYO 21st Annual Concert
Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 7:30 PM
Glenn Gould Studio
250 Front Street West

[@jamesrichardson3322]

This is in the memory of the 720,000 lives lost during the America Civil War 😢 1861 - 1865.

[@lindseybanks4745]

We played this at my dads funeral 3 weeks ago he was massivly into the civil war miss you loads dad❤💔 rip.❤

[@egonspengler1867]

When I am having a rough time, and I just can't to shake the negative feelings, this song sends me to a place within my mind where I can leave all my problems at the foot of the cross, and just worship the Lord in all his glory. I have found no other song that does this for me.

[@brushstroke3733]

Amazing Grace is an equal song for me. Miss you Egon!!

[@prarieborn6458]

This song is the Most American song I have ever heard!! It speaks to me of our History and our Heritage.. our forefathers, immigrants to the New World, the colonies, the War of independence, the westward migrations, the Civil War…. iI can hear the words of the Gettysburg Address; Abraham Lincoln said “Our forefathers brought forth on this Continent, a New Nation, conceived in Liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great Civil War, testing whether this Nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated , can long endure” America, the United States of America has endured for 248 years since 1776, it is 2024 and we are on the verge of another Civil War, this time as the last time it is a conflict over States Rights versus Federal Rights and the security of our international border with Mexico. There are 51 States in the Union and 25 States are united in opposing Federal Authority over the border. will we weather this storm and find a peaceful solution and avoid open conflict? Long may our land be Bright, with Freedom’s holy light, Protect us by Thy Might, Great God, Our king. 🙏🇺🇸🙏

[@sleuthfoot-w7s]

Try Bernice Reagon Johnson singing " Jacob's Ladder". Still Ashokan is so very uplifting. I take a sigh of relief while listening.

[@SingersMom-rx8wt]

Pray tell when we added the 51st state and where it is??

[@280StJohnsPl]

This was played at the NYC Fire Department Memorial Service held at Madison Square Garden for the 343 FDNY Firefighters killed on 9-11.....not a dry eye in the house. Rest In Peace Brothers

[@jacqueslefave4296]

In those days, we were all New Yorkers.❤️‍🩹

[@toddsalvati5694]

Good god this is an outstanding version, these kids more than nailed it. Still one of the most beautiful songs ever written

[@donnarogers7732]

The most Beautiful "Farewell" song ever written. I have asked it be played at my memorial. I'm of Scottish decent, Immigrants that settled the Appalachian chain from North Carolina to Alabama in the Earliest Days of Nations Begining. I recently heard the words to this melody. Simply beautiful and will cause tears to flow. This young Lady and the orchestra did a Wonderfully moving rendition of Ashokan. Ken Burns choose well this ancient folk song for his series *The Civil War*. One can never hear it and not remember the Brave ,Courageous sacrifice from both South and North families of those years that tore America apart Within! And now the threat of such a thing to happen again is heartbreaking to me. Did we ,have we, Not Learned anything from WARS that rob us of our Best Generations of Young Men and Women? I fear not. American Democracy has been hard Fought for and Harder Still to Maintain. Of course for sure our Nation ,like all nations who strive for Justice, Freedom and the Human Rights to live an Equal, Fair and Peaceful existence on this planet Must Make these sorrowful Sacrifices to Protect ,Defend and Maintain our Nation from the constant Threats .Yet there will Always be the Dark Forces of Power Hungry, Greed Driven, Mean Spirited Wolves in Sheep's Clothing to stir Hate and Resentment! Peace Be Yours Friend who reads this, Peace Healing and Love to All.🙏♥️✌️😷✨🗽🇺🇲

[@ruthiemay423]

This song always brings tears of heartache when I think of all the tragedy that Americans brought on one another. 😢😢😢

[@kenvarnold3659]

One of the greatest and most melancholy songs ever written...IMHO. Haunting...and stunning performance here...

[@meganluke444]

This beautiful tune was written by Jay Unger for the farewell ceremony at the Asokan Festival in 1984. Ken Burns appropriated it for his documentary on the Civil War.

[@FernComeau-y9n]

It’s beautiful . Was perfect for the series I loved.

[@margaretfitzgerald7187]

"Appropriated it?" What do you mean? Did Burns not get permission and give credit (and reimburse?) Jay Unger for the use of this lovely melody?

[@conradinhawaii7856]

These kids nailed it. Beautiful arrangement and perfect tempo (not rushed), and lots of feeling.

[@kimbosch1823]

I don't get it... how in the world can there be thumbs down for this... whether you 'like' this type of music or not, these guys are great !

[@francisbusa1074]

My wife and I were both Civil War re-enactors in the '90's. Hearing this takes me back to those days when we strived for authenticity in every way in order to show the public the story of those terrible years in America, but also to learn and FEEL the experiences in those days (less the death, grief and terrible hardship).

[@deborabrewer9505]

Chilling! Beautiful! Thank you 🙏

[@Baskerville22]

Used in Ken Burns TV doco series, but a modern tune composed in 1982

[@HHIto]

🙏❤️🕊️🌈

[@landslave8367]

Wow. Wow again. This melody is hauntingly beautiful. When I learned it was a "new" composition, I was shocked. And I immediately recognized this as a timeless classic which will most certainly endure.

[@Dan0__]

People will still be playing it 1000 years from now...

[@ritapope3449]

It is meant to be played the way you chose to play it; this is absolutely beautiful.

[@coolhand1964]

Having watched the Civil War Documentary several times, this tune always reminds me of it. I often lament the loss of the eloquence displayed in the language of the letters and diary entries written by the men who fought and died in that conflict. They would probably need a translator to understand what passes for the English language today compared to how it was spoken and written back in the day.

[@reginaweiner3817]

Such mature playing. Y'all, you are not supposed to know that the heart is a stringed instrument until you are forty.💔

[@voraciousreader3341]

The concert mistress played the main theme solo so very beautifully, and I absolutely love hearing youth orchestras, choirs, bands whatever, because that’s where I honed my own musical skills, gifts that have lasted a lifetime!

[@serenitypeaceandcomfort3669]

This song comes from heaven.

[@HotZTrain]

For some reason, I always think of The Battle of Franklin when I hear this song...Franklin, Tennessee , November 30, 1864

[@martiemutsch7461]

When you hear this live, WOW!! Thank you Jay Unger and Molly Mason !!!

[@russm3727]

Thirty years later and I still cry when I hear it.

[@loridee21]

Absolutely beautiful! These young kids certainly played it perfectly! Such talent.

[@mandymitchell5658]

Walked down the aisle to this

[@derekstocker6661]

What a fabulous and totally different choice Mandy, well done, and happiness always for you...

[@augustinedennis4865]

Good luck.

[@scottriley1913]

I’m not sure after 7 decades on this planet there could possibly be a sweeter sound than this. Yes, I am a First generation reproduction of a Confederate Cavalry Officer who lost his life July 3 1863.

[@Sevencoins7]

When were you born?

[@RobertJohnson-lv6fy]

THAT is one of, if not the best renditions of Ashokan Farewell ever! Thank you so much!!!

[@orvillehinson6985]

You need to hear Doc and the Lady play it.

[@tomjones2202]

This is the only tune I've ever heard that can bring tears to my eyes,, yet it has NO words!! Why??? There is something special about it and maybe someday someone will write the perfect words to it.

[@flamingfrancis]

The song does actually have lyrics, and beautiful they are. Can be found with a search.

[@glennsprigg2378]

Hi there Tom!! Just thought I would tell you.... This was a 'tune' written by Jay Ungar, when leaving a 'Folk' group in 'Ashokan', in the countryside, out of NewYork. It did NOT have any words originally, and was used throughout this Civil War Documentary. LATER, a friend from that Folk group put some words to it, that Jay Ungar agreed to!!! Here below, is a link to another couple Melissa Priller & Chris Rupp, with the latter Words!, which is really nice!!!... Have a good day!!... kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJu3aXl8nticqpI And here's the Original by Jay Ungar, who wrote this piece... kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJy9coaDbbSLbdU P.S. !!! If you like tears, you may like this!!! Within that Documentary, there was a 'Letter' reading, from a soldier by the name of "Sullivan Ballou", who wrote a last letter to his Wife before he died. Throughout that piece, the "Ashokan Farewell" was also being played. There are some really beautiful words in that reading!!!... kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4euYn6Zj9R3q5I

[@cindyrissal3628]

Because the guy that wrote it is one of the best fiddle players ever & many fiddle tunes don't have words. Maybe it's better this way...your mind can fill in pictures for itself...

[@libbynoska7379]

This song has words

[@tomjones2202]

I can't believe I'm just now seeing this reply! Thanks so much!!@@glennsprigg2378

[@bettierusso5410]

Thank you so much for playing this so beautifully. I am an old Southern lady that had many many family members fight in the war between the states. I am longing for my lost mother that taught me in the ways of the Old South and a beautiful true belle. I miss my Daddy as well and so many are gone. This song stirs my soul and your wonderful version is bringing tears. They have done one of the most beautiful rendition's I have ever heard. Thank you and God Bless. It is a true gift.

[@mickjersey6278]

Very moving. Great job, CAS Toronto!

[@andrewellis2503]

Beautiful piece played beautifully by all, well done to the soloist.

[@musicloverlondon6070]

Wow, well done to that orchestra! 👏

[@ptiam1]

This is a truly emotionally tragic, yet beautiful performance!

[@acblueeagle]

Wonderful, but especially so near the end when all the violins come in...wow! Powerful! Moving! Lovely!

[@stardustgirl2904]

Music is the language of the Lord, for it speaks to everyone, and those that can't hear can feel it's vibrations, an no one is left out!

[@michaelplanchunas3693]

My favorite is the Royal Marine Band's version. It's violinist was sublime. But, this version is excellent and the kids should take a bow.

[@lizzietaylor5407]

Agreed, The Royal Marines version is superb...and then so to is this rendition by this young and extremely talented orchestra. Bravo!

[@kosmikpixie]

I thought you might want to hear these kids. I recorded this in 2018 in a log cabin at a winter festival in Winnipeg, Manitoba that celebrates Metis culture. These three kids were accompanied by their music teacher and a guitarist. There were maybe 15 people present and I can tell you there wasn't a dry eye in the house. I cried. kzbin.info/www/bejne/faqUY5KAgM-GacU

[@acblueeagle]

Love when the flutes come in, so dramatic. Well, well done.

[@hjelsethak]

DAMMMMMN. This was good. Loved every second.

[@sandrafraser2267]

The emotions of this song ... what a lovely yet haunting rendition

[@josephhinton5489]

thanks a lot for making my cry

[@Catholic_convert81]

Bravo , well done , very beautiful.

[@jareda.hawkins649]

What a wonderful arrangement, its complex, yet not over the top.

[@jeanrhunter]

One the most beautiful and simple tunes ever written. My husbands favorite and when he died a few months ago this was played as my farewell to him as I know too that one day we shall meet again. He had two authentic Civil War swords that crisscrossed at the clay urn used to hold his ashes. Rest easy my love for our paths will cross one day soon.

[@sergiozammel8261]

Beautiful rendition of such a song past..these musicians done a perfect job !!

[@Nobleone7777]

Best I have heard this number played. God Bless

[@glloyd1987]

Very well done! From Pensacola, Florida, USA

[@otiebrown9999]

I still have my Great Grandfather's draft notice, Thomas Brown, from the civil war. A PROFOUND tragedy.

[@dartagnan1]

What a wonderful performance!! ♞

[@emersonlangstaff1527]

Great rendition of a wonderfully touching song! Always brings a tear to my eye...

[@johndchamberlain8986]

Wonderful: to the violinist and other instruments. I’ve seen many interpretations of this exceptional number, including violins. It’s such a powerful message to go with the music it has been used in movies.

[@pushbikeman]

Just Fantastic Brilliant Performance Of A Very Moving Lament!

[@donsmanbcc]

Beautiful just beautiful.

[@lanslay7342]

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

[@tonycutty598]

Beautiful. As always with this piece, I never want it to stop. What a lovely arrangement this is; subtle, gentle and capturing the essence of the piece perfectly. Well done everyone :)

[@woodiethompson526]

Combine this beautiful piece of music Ken Burns brilliant documentary then add the perfect voice over of David Mccollough we have a masterpiece worth hearing again and again

[@pmcclaren1]

Beautiful song. However, Burns' charade is a sham and a lie.

[@largemarge1603]

@@pmcclaren1 Agreed. The only valid sections are with Professor Shelby Foote. The rest is propaganda.

[@pmcclaren1]

@@largemarge1603 Hello Miss Marge. I am so proud of you! It is always wonderful when someone like yourself (1) knows THE TRUTH and (2) has the Courage which you do to proclaim it PROUDLY!!!!! Our Beloved South (Confederate States of America) (a) fought for the FREEDOM of all! The decadent yankees fought for the (b) 'slaves' of all. I praise the LORD every day that finally HE is (a) destroying the decadent nations (governments and militaries) of the (dis)united skanks of america and (b) the english (NOT "british") terrorists. They are the world's leading MURDERERS of all time in the history of man!!!!! The LORD bless you ma'am.

[@wolverineeagle]

Wow. What a beautiful performance. Bravo, kids, Bravo.

[@milotherussianblue3691]

It’s such a sad song because I think of the vast waste of human life lost fighting a miserable civil war when I hear it.

[@timcrawford8744]

What makes me really sad is the thought and belief that this country is very close to a civil war again.

[@dennismurillodennis3079]

This musical peace is sad reminder of the 600,000 people killed in the A merican civil war. I know this is 2024 but I feel their loss everytime I this played.This is their song of their last full measure of devotion to their causes. So sad.

[@frederickgreen3665]

Beautiful. Thank you.

[@g.m.fallon8908]

It’s about the music, that transcends above the form and interpretation

[@bertlilley4988]

Awesome Thanks

[@WolfSpirtr]

Even Though I survived The Civil War I still Cry Whe I hear this Song....For My Long Lost Love of So Many Years Ago. And to this Day My Heart remains Unfulfillred Romantically

[@FernComeau-y9n]

Beautiful . Haunting ,sad,I loved that series the civil war by Ken burns. I watched it over and over.

[@HailAnts]

Holy crap! I'm a huge fan of this piece since first hearing it back in 1990, and yet I've never come across this video before. This is the first and, so far, only full orchestral version of it I've ever heard, and I love it! Paraphrasing Jay Unger himself, 'People are surprised to find it isn't a vintage tune from the Civil War era, but written by a young Jewish guy lamenting the end of teaching band camp in the 80s!' Even a pretty young Asian girl violinist can perfectly capture the emotional impact in her performance if it.. 👍

[@christopherlarsen7788]

Just beautiful. Perfect.

[@eppurse]

Wonderful tune written for the award-winning American TV miniseries "The Civil War" produced, written and directed by Ken Burns

[@gordonweir5474]

To be clear, "Ashokan Farewell" was NOT written FOR the TV miniseries. The tune already existed (composed in 1982), and Ken Burns used it for the over-arching musical theme of his 1990 miniseries. Burns used a lot of period music in his series (both "northern" and "southern") but "Ashokan Farewell" had viewers scratching their heads. Most people (understandably!) loved the theme and thought it fit the series perfectly; but they were not familiar with it, so were left wondering whether it was originally a "northern" or a "southern" tune! Turns out -- neither! It was not even written until over a hundred years AFTER the war finished.

[@WinstonJames-j6t]

Such a beautiful piece of music, wakes up your soul.

[@tiffanyaguilar4204]

I have These Beautiful & Sweet Music I will Alway's Cherish With All My Heart Violin Music Is In My Heart Since I first Played A Violin In 6th Grade With My Beautiful Teacher Mrs Hendrix I Love You Forever... 1st Violin "Ashokan FareWell" Moderately By Jay Ungar💖💖💖🎶🎶🎶🌹🌹🌹

[@roseannjones5648]

Beautifully played

[@pamelapollock7330]

Absolutely fabulous!!!

[@georgiasunroom]

So wonderful teaches deep into your soul

[@FrankCGraves]

Excellent orchestral rendition of Jay Ungar very sentimental piece. I enjoy playing it on the piano solo and have it on my Channel.

[@jimhawkins3765]

Beautiful!

[@dipdo7675]

Beautiful and beautifully done !!

[@acblueeagle]

How enjoyable...truly

[@jasonhawkins8678]

FANTASTIC! Wow...

[@KeithSage]

Thank You for posting this.

[@richardponsonby2500]

A beautiful tribute to the glorious South. Well done.

[@believer936]

Beautifully done!!

[@MrSouthernguy08]

Fantastic. Asian kids are AWESOME! They work hard, study hard, and they ACCOMPLISH great things!

[@alan4sure]

Caucasian kids dream of being the next American or Canadian idol....sad

[@PeteStart]

this is a really nice performance

[@readingthroughhistor]

Amazing job.

[@PhillipYewTree]

The musicians play each note with perfection, and miss the intonation of the melody. Listen to Jay Ungar. Hear the message in the intonation.

[@phillipbrown8346]

BEAUTIFUL...

[@mikerocks56]

That was outstanding

[@jorgemartinpaez4376]

I can feel the era of the 1860s, the Civil War, the Tsatsuma rebellion, familia sending thier loved ones to war, enduring the crisis.

[@anthonyzbikowski529]

It was written in 1982 and in the composer's own words, it's "a Scottish lament written by a Jewish guy from the Bronx." The only thing that it has to do with the Civil War is that Ken Burns liked it and put it in his documentary. It's was actually written by Ungar because of trying to capture the sense of sadness over the ending of the annual fiddling camp that Ungar and his wife ran in upstate New York. “The tune was my attempt to get back to a feeling of connectedness.”

[@CuteFuzzyWeasel]

@@anthonyzbikowski529 yeah but tbh its always going to be connected to the civil war for me just because of the doc

[@johnnyparker9928]

Awesome heart felt beautiful.😊

[@tonius5630]

Fantastic!!! Marvelous!

[@vroscarrod]

Very well done!

[@gunsaway1]

Beautiful

[@ryanfield1891]

So beautiful.

[@SuperGripper65]

Beautiful ❤️

[@acblueeagle]

Wonderful.

[@alansklenar2848]

Very nice,especially with the other instrument voices

[@stevendamron1284]

Awesome piece. Masterpiece.

[@wdbearfan]

beautiful job

[@judithpayne9798]

Conan O’Brien used this song when reading letters he wrote as a child to his parents from summer camp. It was hilarious.

[@CatLegoDiver]

It’s a great, soulful, simple tune and summarizes the mood and the times of the Civil War perfectly, even though it was written nearly 100 years later. I’ve heard many performances of it and I’ve heard it played live at Civil War reenactments, some good some great some transcendent. This one isn’t bad. In my personal opinion, it’s a bit slow, it seems to lack the soul that other recordings possess. That’s just my opinion; I know others like it, and if it introduces you to music of this genre, awesome!

[@Helm-w1q]

And here we are in 2024. Casually thinking of another. My God why can't we learn.

[@lanslay7342]

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

[@davidwheeler8619]

"Lovely...just lovely"!

[@careyrowland]

Fare thee well, all ye Chinese musicians who perform so reverently to commemmorate the lives and struggles of all people everywhere who have striven, yeah, even given their lives so that all men may be free, not enslaved.

[@wayneharless5073]

My Great Grandfather fought in The Civil War he was a blacksmith I would liked to have known him