Folk Alley Sessions: Jay Ungar & Molly Mason Family Band, "Ashokan Farewell"

[@nanook8721]

I'm a 70 year old woman. I lost my 96 year old father, who was the salt of the earth last week. We had his burial yesterday. My niece plays the viola, and after the military honors and Taps, she just stood aside and played this, one of his favorite songs. The sound floated on the wind and brought a sense of peaceful sorrow. I will forever associate it with my Dad.

[@MalindaDee]

Hugs to you

[@marvinridenour7326]

​@@MalindaDeeI'm❤

[@danielbrowniel]

This song is special. Some songs, like this, are so special it feels like Jay didn't put it together, rather, he discovered something God made for us long ago.

[@Maverick0451]

Many condolences on the loss of your father mam. What a moving tribute, thank you for sharing.

[@archi-dr5te]

may your Father rest in peace. As a musician I have often considered the musical element of my passing. I have all the classical elements sorted (Am an organist). I needed little convincing, but this will also be in my service (Perhaps not inside the Church!) Appreciate your comment and sending you a massive virtual hug! :)

[@brandonmcmahan2859]

I think these must be the most beautiful sounds humans have ever made.

[@KearnsGarren]

I’m a true music lover. Almost all genres. This song is by far, the most beautiful and powerfully profound tune I’ve ever listened to !

[@franksfiddle9031]

Nourishes the soul doesn't it?

[@billstokes6740]

My wife wanted this played at her funeral. I still cry when I hear it. I miss her so much.

[@Jacob-yg7lz]

Oh no, it appears I have stumbled upon some feels.

[@tiredlawdog]

I too tear up every time I hear this beautiful song just think of all the Americans that killed each other. God bless you sir.

[@johnnyrebpalmer7720]

So sorry to hear sir. Im sure you two will certainly meet again in heaven.

[@kmslegal7808]

Peace to you my friend. I have left instructions that it be played at my funeral as well, along with Zevon's "My Rtde's Here".

[@klewis3269]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your wife. Did you have it played at her funeral? It's beautiful.

[@SicSemper100]

It may sound silly but I listened to this when I placed my little dog, Huey a Rat Terrier, for cremation into the oven. I did want a stranger to handle him. He was the best friend I ever had or ever will have... I always love him but I had no idea how much until he died. I was holding him during his heart attack and he looked at me as he died and I looked at him telling him the pain would soon go away and he would be in doggy heaven. I'm 70 years old and it's been decades since my heart hurt this bad and I cried this much...

[@steffigavin9152]

I'm so very sorry. I'm a dog lover myself. The pain when you lose them is just terrible but I always like to think that the pain is just a brief moment within the years of happiness and joy you share with them. Huey was a lucky boy to have such a loving father. I hope that when your heart heals, you will adopt again.

[@SicSemper100]

@@steffigavin9152 Thank you for your kind words. I don't know that I can have another dog or that I should. Huey was just too much a part of my life that another dog might not get the attention that it should have. I'm 70 and my life is coming to a close. He will live in my memory now.

[@steffigavin9152]

@@SicSemper100 I don't want to be pushy. I am 68 and can't imagine my life without a dog. There are tons of older dogs that need homes. You will fall in love again but for other reasons. Big hug to you.

[@CarmenBarrett-w7r]

I'm happy you had each other to love. I've lost my dearest animal companions. I feel your pain but also the love you shared.

[@bluenotzallthingsmusic4812]

Not silly, it is BEAUTIFUL. Loving send off for a beloved friend. So very sorry for your loss ❤❤

[@billstokes6740]

I just reread all these comments. It's amazing how many good people there are out there. God Bless you all, stay safe.

[@poppydarling86]

I was just thinking that myself! God bless you too Bill.

[@FW-jq1ox]

This may be the only KZbin post that the filth and negativity of politics has not tainted. For that I am extraordinarily thankful.

[@Clydesirota]

Yes, a lot of Americans are really good people. The rest are learning.

[@johngreene2497]

Never forget that tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life.. live it as best as you can.

[@Amx2aor]

P

[@jt6366]

Mom never said she wanted this piece played at her funeral, but she played it so often on her dads violin that it seemed necessary to bring in a concert violinist to play it at her wake. So 9 years and 3 weeks ago, that’s exactly what we did. I am a guitar player but have picked up the violin to learn this piece. I’ll play it for our friends and family on moms next birthday. Maybe I’ll get all the way through it without falling apart🥹

[@anandhemmige9139]

Wow very good

[@jean6872]

You did right. I will not be having a funeral because I have no-one to mourn my passing. I have a will to leave what little I have to my landlord with one request to have my ashes tossed in the foothills of Granada, Spain, where I live and my dog's ashes which are on my desk. He was my only friend in life. If there is an Elysium hereafter, he will be waiting for me and I will hear this tune too.

[@mikeschneider1624]

@@jean6872 Hi man, if you can read this you still have time to met more people and become a better person yourself.

[@jean6872]

@Mike Schneider *Miraculously, I am still here but I am bedridden, so unable to meet new people. I have nothing against becoming a better person but since I do not interact with anyone, except on my laptop, there are great limitations on how that improvement might look. **_¡Adios!_*

[@normafarmer3254]

I love it so much, too. I can imagine how you feel playing it for her. ❤

[@snpursley]

This was the song that my beautiful wife walked down the aisle to when we married 15 years ago.... people thought we were crazy to play this as the "wedding March"! Her beauty is matched by this very song. Makes me smile every single time I hear this amazing song!

[@ksp4125]

We *tried* to dance to this as our first dance at our wedding. We are not good dancers, but the sentiment was there: deep, persistent love.

[@BonnieBlue1861]

I walked down the aisle to this too! I’ll treasure it always.

[@HoyaSaxaSD]

I hope the minister or whoever was officiating the wedding had the voice of the Civil War narrator who read Major Sullivan Ballou’s letter. That would be perfect.

[@Melaniedoo]

Thank you for the beautiful expressions of love for your bride. That renewed my faith.

[@augustobraidotti6992]

Bless you. All the best.

[@larryhaynes3875]

I'm a 63 year old man, and every time I hear this particular version of Ashokan, the tears just start...Thank you Jay.

[@shedd45]

Did you fight in the civil war?

[@shapilier793]

​@@shedd45 Yeah, I was in the same infrantry as him. I’m surprised I didn’t get my damn head chopped off in Antietam.

[@annettenelson3453]

Larry Haynes and Molly

[@jeffschuler5659]

@@shedd45 Damn rights! an gave that Johnny Reb a run for his money !

[@jjosuer]

Same here, young brother. I’m 72, caring for my wife. We listen to this almost every night at her bedtime.

[@thearmyflyer4905]

This song was well selected for Ken Burns Civil War documentary. It has a sense of sorrow and sadness that just seemed to encompass the hardship that was experienced on both sides of the fights

[@pamelastetor8803]

My husband learned of this song from the Civil War Movie by Ken Burns. We played it at his funeral. 🙏🏼

[@oreally8605]

@Pamela Stetor My condolences Mrs. Stetor. Lord we with your family.

[@williamgreen-cs7be]

AMEN YOU CAN FEAL IT I CRY EVERY TIME

[@Alces_alces]

Yours is a beautiful description of this tune.

[@redriver6541]

It was used on his Lewis and Clark documentary as well. Such an absolutely beautiful piece of music.

[@darronhurst1590]

This is by far one of favorite tunes ever..I wasn't raised on this genre of music...Im a 55 year old blavk man and I've watched the Civil War documentary about a hundred times and this song has always stuck in my head from very first time I heard it..Its sumber melody captures the very essence of the documentary..I love all kinds of music and this song really does speak to my ears immensely 🎵 ❤

[@josephmessner5312]

It’s music that goes to one’s heart and spirit

[@nbenefiel]

Ken Burns Civil War is brilliant.

[@sherry2313]

Music is what emotions sound like

[@MarkEgger-u9i]

god bless you, my man.

[@cstran28]

"My very dear Sarah: . . . Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more. But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the brightest day and in the darkest night-amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours-always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for me, for we shall meet again." Sullivan Ballou July the 14th, 1861

[@eternalperspective7460]

Quite possibly the best documentary in television history.

[@momheinan]

Thank you for your post.

[@painter790]

The most beautiful, poignant, and yet the saddest, letter ever from a man to his wife. Maj. Ballou was mortally wounded a few days later in the first battle of Bull Run.

[@kmoore2027]

Just one thing, you left out the part where he says... "Never forget how much I loved you, nor that when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield......It will whisper your name"

[@kathleencarragher8194]

Thank you for posting the verses.

[@cynthiawood2886]

I played this on my violin for my dad today while waiting for the funeral home to come pick him up. Music was the most important thing for him after my mom died and he loved this song.

[@jameswest9321]

The sun is sinking low in the sky above Ashokan The pines and the willows know soon we will part There's a whisper in the wind of promises unspoken And a love that will always remain in my heart My thoughts will return to the sound of your laughter The magic of moving as one And a time we'll remember long ever after The moonlight and music and dancing are done Will we climb the hills once more? Will we walk the woods together? Will I feel you holding me close once again? Will every song we've sung stay with us forever? Will you dance in my dreams or my arms until then? Under the moon the mountains lie sleeping Over the lake the stars shine They wonder if you and I will be keeping The magic and music, or leave them behind

[@DinoMaRenAlva]

I wept as I read this sweet poem while listening.

[@sueadauctus3306]

Beautiful.

[@georgiapines7906]

Thank you for posting, James.

[@honestabe1940]

Didn't know there were words to it. Thank you!

[@susannaee]

what beautiful sweet words

[@lakeside93]

I lost my wife to a brain tumor 18 years ago. Ashokan Farewell was the last waltz of the last Victorian Ball we got to attend. Little did we know that night that in a few short months she would receive that devastating diagnosis. The memories live on in this melody.

[@GretaVanZeppelin1996]

I am so sorry for your loss

[@MOUNTAINEER1976]

Can't explain why my allergies flair up every time I play this video. But, sure as sh*t, every time I do, my eyes tear up like nobody's business. It's the darndest thing.

[@clarawatson6610]

huh weird, i must have allergies too :)

[@kitstr]

I'm not American and I got it too.

[@lindawood5568]

Darn! Me too and I'm way over here in Australia!

[@thesmokingtoad2836]

To me the song talks of missing home, the nostalgia of a life a young soldier in the civil war once knew but will never have again. Its truly immaculate and is one of the most powerful pieces of american folk tunes ive heard.

[@andrewpetik2034]

@@kitstr I understand that we Americans have attached this to the American Civil War (because it was used so well in a documentary on the subject)......but this is the thing I have discovered.... good music can touch the soul of any human being..... God's Peace to you and all here! 🙏

[@Natcatkitcraze]

My father requested this be played at his funeral. We made it happen.. Kills me every time I hear it. He played bluegrass / folk, himself. I miss him so very much. Beautiful beautiful piece. God bless, gorgeous. -Bruner Baker, 1959-2010

[@bradfordwhite3650]

So sorry for your loss, Natalie. Your dad was far too young. Hope the song gives you comfort at some level.

[@jjosuer]

What a young man! I send you peace and warmth.

[@genkitten]

My dad's folk band played at his funeral.

[@craiggarwood9956]

Awesome 👍

[@kmslegal7808]

"Enjoy every sandwich" Warren Zevon

[@chrisc1215]

I dearly hope someone plays this for me when I'm finally reunited with my little boy and go home .. So grateful for this beautiful music

[@i_am_a_music_maker5212]

One of those rare songs that could be played at your wedding or your funeral

[@alexneely456]

I like legos and overwatch

[@fstagigi]

Hauntingly beautiful. 💖 "I sometimes introduce it as, a Scottish lament written by a Jewish guy from the Bronx.” Jay Ungar

[@sgtcrab2569]

Oddly you are right... it was written as a waltz. Ashokan is one of the main reservoirs for NYC. Upstate a bit near Kingston. However like many tunes...slow them down or speed them up things change. Look at the pipe march.."Burning of the Piper's Hut"... Rather simple tune but slow it down a pile and it is a very evocative piece. Another is the pipe tune.."The Ale is Dear" ...S_L_O_W that down in B Minor and you have a great lament!

[@slightlydistressedslug6627]

😂

[@roxannekean6025]

“a Scottish lament written by a Jewish guy from the Bronx.” In other words, dear sir, a thoroughly American song! Thanks for such a lovely piece of musical heaven!

[@alphabetsoup7995]

Oh my that's funny! You Scotty Bronx Boys...So happy to hear you play it. Thank you

[@alphabetsoup7995]

Can you please post a version of "So Far Away"?

[@DavidCWolovitz]

My granddaughter played this at my wife of 53 yrs funeral. It has been a favorite of our 1st heard watching "Civil War" documentary on PBS years ago. This version is beautiful too.....

[@georgannebeck1293]

My uncle Edwin played this all the time and when he died one of his sons played it for him at his funeral. You could hear a pin drop in the church. Over the years it has been a staple in Riedmueller homegoings and it’s on my list for mine.

[@USMarineRifleman0311]

You cannot picture a Civil War Documentary without this melody.

[@marshallman1au]

+Cpl. Gadway USMC Ken Burns' "Civil War" made me cry ..... And I am an Australian .....

[@adamsmith4195]

It should be required viewing for anyone who wants to understand American heritage, American politics, and American culture. The first episode is pure poetry.

[@s1rk3t]

Which is kind of funny because the song was composed in 1982 - 117 years after the war ended.

[@nixbronowski5822]

s1rk3t really?!

[@s1rk3t]

Yep- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashokan_Farewell

[@rodneylove8027]

This music transports you to a bygone era. The The violin strains and guitar plucks, evoke pain, joy, sorrow, longing, and determination. It burns images in my mind of being a picket along the banks of the Potomac or Rappahannock rivers gazing at the campfires of the opposing army, thinking, of home, family, and impending battle. The love for this song is evident on Jay's face as he savors each moment. Ashokan Farewell is one of my favorite musical treasures. Thank you Jay and Mason family for such a moving performance.

[@lindaevans1208]

I think you described the music perfectly. I remember hearing this song playing in the background while watching Ken Burns "The Civil War Documentary". I cried thru the whole show -- the music just caught me.

[@thesmokingtoad2836]

To me the song talks of missing home, the nostalgia of a life a young soldier in the civil war once knew but will never have again. Its truly immaculate and is one of the most powerful pieces of american folk tunes ive heard.

[@christopherjcarson]

Valued comment!

[@ellensugarmag3759]

I so agree ♥️

[@conch2121]

Just the tune makes my heart ache! Wups, here come the tears! Oh so special!!! Only music!

[@crazykitcats4379]

Actually this bittersweet tune was written in the 70s as Ungar was sad to leave his Ashokan fiddle camp. So he wrote a farewell, hence the name.

[@conch2121]

@@crazykitcats4379 Thank you VERY much! No wonder this song makes my heart ache. It is FILLED with musical history and pain. Oh my!

[@jonstrickland1739]

I have this on repeat whenever I visit the Graves of my mother and grandmother. I lost them both in just over a year. I miss them more than I can express. This song makes me smile and cry all at the same time. My prayers and hopes are with everyone. God bless you all.

[@danielburnham]

Jay Ungar and Molly Mason look like they're in Heaven while playing this song. Total serenity?

[@Rambam1776]

Grief

[@christineschroeder4587]

I have recently suffered a loss and this music has helped me in my healing process

[@debbiealfonso]

Even first generation American born who are DEVOTED to this greatest country can learn appreciation of folk music. ASHOKAN FAREWELL. Ken Burns...thanks for introducing this girl of Cubans to love heritage from music. Folk music must never be forgotten.

[@debbiealfonso]

You are so right. First generation born here. Engulfed in MY COUNTRY'S HISTORY from Revolution to Civil War. I actually wrote to the creators of this folk song and it truly was an integral part of that fabulous Ken Burns documentary, and they wrote back. Don't know as much as where my heritage is about: Cuba. I know everything, visited every site from both wars, my Cuban born spouse. We love this country and move forward as first generation proudly born in this richly historic (not comparative to Europe) but this country has vital history.

[@danraven2582]

This is a song that encourages us to let go of all the tears, we forgot to shed, whenever that earlier time was.

[@bthomson]

No war. Peace. No strife. Calm. No anger. Love.

[@Tigas870]

Even though my hearings comes from a totally different acoustic culture here in Greece, this is the best sample of American music culture by far, a masterpiece.

[@m.j.9318]

Im curious, do different cultures with a completely different acoustic/music backround and characterization (f.e. arabic music or indian, or greece like yourself)... do you also react emotionally to pieces like this? I mean, are you, kind of, "able" to understand the sadness in melodys? I say it because i have heard orientalic music thats supposed to be sad, but for me it was not a sad melody at all. It was barely a melody. Western music is very melodical, or just different, in melody and harmonics. So extremely different.Could songs like these make you cry? Ofc its also very much the context. Without the context it wouldnt be as nearly as sad, almost felt a bit romantic even. But it is different for each of us, what is coming to minds by listening and imagining.

[@clewiesmusiquemichel1460]

​@@m.j.9318since European music and American music isn't that different we can feel it haha. But if you come from another further culture I think that you wouldn't be able to understand the emotions of the piece played. Love from France

[@DebraReeves-Wright]

We just played this particular rendering of Ashoken Farewell at my daughter's father's celebration of life service. He loved the Ken Burns series, and he played 10 or 11 musical instruments himself. We had been divorced for 22 years, but both my daughter and I wanted to say goodbye with kindness and grace. The song always pierces my heart.

[@terryelkins4338]

Absolutely beautiful ❤ Rest in peace to all the men from the North and the South that fought in the civil war . And all wars.🙏🙏🙏

[@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. More than three million Americans fought in it, and over six hundred thousand men, two percent of the population, died in it.

[@zyzor]

Did you know that statistically the revolutionary war was just as deadly as the civil war and it was also a civil war. Around 3% of the population was either killed wounded or sick.

[@zyzor]

+zyzor this was at a time when the largest cities only had maybe 15,000 people and some of the armies numbered more than that which is astonishing for the 18th century which had significantly fewer people. The British Invasion force of New York in the summer of 1776 numbered close to 40,000 on 450 ships. That was more than the population of New York . Anyways people don't realize how destructive that conflict was as well, tens of thousands died on both sides.

[@zyzor]

+zyzor it was said that in 1782 at the end of the American Revolutionary War. The pubs of south London were filled with tired exhausted and wounded soldiers recently returned from America, some had enlisted at the beginning and were just setting foot in London again after 8 years!!!!! These men would be forced to the streets until the French revolutionary war broke out and they returned to the army or navy.

[@SecretAgentMan00]

The Civil War turned "are" into "is".

[@dustinivey8893]

+SecretAgentMan00 Nice Shelby Foote quote.. He's the man!

[@kevinmac59v2]

This song brings tears to my eyes every time i hear it. Moving, beautiful....

[@dhutch71]

Thank you Jay Ungar and Molly Mason Family Band - that was absolutely beautifull.

[@rosetyler3282]

I just paused the credits at the end of Ken Burns' "The Civil War" and I see that Jay Ungar composed this beautiful song. When I watched it the first time around, 25 years ago, I assumed this was a folk song written during the Civil War era. Either way, it's one of the most haunting and evocative melodies I've ever heard.

[@MarkGunter]

+Rose Tyler (reddogs) Ken Burns felt the same when he first heard Jay play it, and that is why he used the song extensively throughout his series.

[@Micro41]

What's really powerful is when someone reads the final letter from Sulivan Ballou to his wife while the song plays

[@goodcatholicboyshaw6638]

Makes me remember my mom. She loved the Burn's series. We often talked about it and she convinced me to learn how to play this piece on the piano. I would play it and she would waltz around the living room. I found the CD and gave it to her. Then, she would grab me and waltz around the living room with ME! It gave me some timeless memories of her. And all because of a song.

[@motorcop505]

Mine loves it too!

[@patrickdurnion4548]

How many documentry's has ken burns made, i have heard lewis and clark,enjoyed it very much.

[@grizzlybear4]

What a lovely story. ❤

[@alfiecat9288]

Priceless x

[@gerrydoyle9369]

Jay Ungar, your 'Ashokan Farewell' is a popular tune here in County Down, Ulster, Ireland. I heard it at last Saturday night's session in Doran's pub, Hilltown. Many musicians here go straight into a fast dance tune from airs like that and the effect on the listeners can be explosive. Blind Mary, leaving Lerwick harbour, an Cuilfhiom (the Coolin) are the sort of tunes your tune keeps company with here. Honourable company indeed, and clan Mason too.

[@tiredlawdog]

As I'm sure you know, many Irishmen died in our civil war on both sides. God Bless Ireland. Erin Go Bragh!

[@debpratt52]

Bless you, Gerry Doyle. It's written about our beautiful Catskill mountains in New York. My Great-Grandfather was from Ballywags, Bruckless and had a farm in the Catkills. I hope to visit your beautiful Ireland some day.

[@banksiasong]

Indeed it has strong resemblance to its Celtic forebears.

[@alomaalber6514]

my grandfather played it 60 years before Ken's fabulous documentaries, he was a fiddler in Nebraska and was paid well at dances he called it "When you and I were young, Maggie"......he was of Scottish decent back to William Wallace by the way and our kin came to America around 1620. yes he would segue from quick tunes to sweet ones as well, they do a fine job here on the tune and play it "slow enough" as Robert would say.

[@charlesstuart7290]

@@tiredlawdog At Appomattox it is alleged that one Irish Rebel said to an Irish Yank - your side won because you had more Irishmen.

[@conniegelineau6190]

This will forever be my baby Gracey’s song. I lost her when she was two weeks old. 💕 😢

[@KimikoCat]

So sorry for your loss, Connie. But when you go to heaven, there will be a little angel to greet you.

[@dannyskyabdan2931]

Psalm 91 1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

[@dannyskyabdan2931]

Revelation 4:11 You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, since you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created!

[@dannyskyabdan2931]

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. - Isaiah 55:10 - 11

[@ezza88ster]

Bless you.

[@johnnyjohnny7204]

you have contributed mightily to this Nation by this beautiful piece that Ken Burns knew, upon hearing, encapsulated the tragedy, poignance and soulfully sad beauty of one of the most destructive albeit heroic times in Our history. Thank You!

[@maejennings5450]

I fell in love with this when I watched the Ken Burns documentary.

[@t3wells]

This tune should be remembered by all who send daughters and sons off to war. May it be remembered by all who go to war for one last and desperate true purpose. It captures moments of emotion, attachment, and commitment to love and valor.

[@fboyg91]

When I first heard this I was deployed. I was up in a guard tower with an M240B and had a picture of my parents, sisters, and dog in my helmet. While I looked at the picture of my family, I thought of when I was a kid at my grandma's farm in southern Indiana sitting on her barn watching the sun set as the wind rippled through the wheat. No song ever made me miss home so much or gave me such drive to make it back.

[@tiredlawdog]

Thank you for you unselfish service

[@FrothingFanboy]

What "service"?

[@luisparga5707]

Fart Raptor

[@HistorybyJummy]

thank you, fart raptor

[@Kings_New_Clothese]

So, here in the UK, students are always being told to listen to classical music when studying. Because they say, it calms the mind and gets you in the right place. And they are not wrong. Fortunately, here in the UK we have a GREAT music station called Classic FM, and they know that 100's of 000's of GSCE, A-Level and Degree level students listen to them every day. And back in the spring of 2003, I was one of those students - aged 39! I was sitting at my desk at home in my digs. It was a nice afternoon and I would have loved to have been in the park opposite, but I had work to do. The first exam of my Philosophy degree was fast approaching, so I was at my desk. In the background, natur. ally, was Classic FM. Then, this piece of music came on. I took no notice of it at first. But then, it started to grow on me. And grow. And grow. I am trying to take notes, but the paper in beneath me is being stained by tears. By the end of the piece, I am in floods of tears. The music stops. The presenter, Natalie Wheen says 'And that was The Ashokan Farewell, by the Band of the Royal Marines - a piece of music that has been known to reduce grown men to tears.' I rang her up during a commercial break and said 'you are not wrong there'. Since then, it has become my favourite piece of classical music and yes, I have no doubt it will be played at my funeral. But a year or so after first hearing it, I am at the end of a wonderful week on a youth camp and need to find something for the closing ceremony. So, out I go with my MP3 recorder and get soundbites from all the youth activities. At the closing ceremony, I play each sound clip, overlaid with The Ashokan Farewell. Now, its not just me in tears, but 1000 campers! What a wonderful piece of music!

[@dinahsoar6982]

Thanks for sharing this!! It is a wonderful piece of music.

[@teavil]

Ashokan Farewell was composed about a music and dance camp in Ashokan, New York. Jay and Molly still play this when each camp is over for the year and I know it's made me cry every time I was there to hear it. This comment was very nice to see with that context, I'm glad it inspires the same feelings in other peoole too

[@wingsimusic]

I plan to play this at my grandfather's funeral on 18-02-14 He passed last Tuesday after his fight with lung cancer, aged 81.

[@cyndimartinez6371]

My deepest condolences, Tang Family.

[@brandonbentley4677]

It made Ken burns famous beatiful song

[@janhawkins6088]

This was the tune that inspired me to learn the violin at the age of 69. It's my go to tune after trying to learn classical music. Im now 73 and still love this tune so much, so very beautiful. Thank you for the inspiration, I have never regretted picking up my first violin.

[@dannyexline4632]

I'm 68 . Just trying to play. But I don't think I'll ever be able to play that

[@siobhanjohnson8088]

This beautiful piece of music was being played as my wonderful jazz pianist father was just passing. I was sat with some of my siblings holding his hands and this was played as he took his last breath. He had lived a very full life and had a big love of music. So I thank you for this wonderful piece of music as it was so fitting for how we felt. ❤

[@danceoutnow]

what I love so dearly about this video is that the musicians are not just playing a collection of well composed notes, but they are pouring all of themselves into the piece. I've been a performer on stage for nearly half my life, and one of the first lessons you learn as an artist of any kind is that a piece is rarely breath taking or touches another soul unless you pour your own soul into it. These musicians do just that, and at such depth that is nearly impossible not to touched by the piece. The longing, sadness, joy, remembrance, and hope within the piece is not just there because of the collection of notes, but also because that was the intentional vision of the composer as he wrote this piece. Truly a master work.

[@OzarkRose]

Music must be in the mind first, the heart next and only then can it be played at it's best coming from the heart to the finger tips.

[@johnanderson-organist]

As Nadia Boulanger said to students, "You must give each note life, YOUR life." This performance is absolutely beautiful because of that.

[@sonicexperiments]

Absolutely right!

[@hankluvsdagny]

There's an episode of the old TV series M*A*S*H in which the character Major Winchester (David Ogden Stires) is trying to convince a soldier/concert pianist whose hand was permanently injured not to give up playing even though he would never again be able to play as well as he had before. In it, he encapsulated your sentiment when he explained to the soldier the difference between them: "More than anything in my life I wanted to play, but I do not have 'the gift.' I can play the notes, but I cannot make the music."

[@mensafordummies6370]

Yes, true. The music must boil up out of your soul, go through every bit of your heart and out through your hands. Otherwise it's just more noise.

[@jackcox7945]

I first heard this lament in 1990 while watching Ken Burns' amazing documentary about the US Civil War on PBS. Shortly thereafter, I became involved in Civil War reenacting. While attending a reenactment of the August, 1861 skirmish between the Missouri Home Guard and the Missouri State Guard in Athens, Missouri, a friend and I were sitting and talking about the upcoming battle. As we were talking, a beautiful rendition of Ashokan Farewell drifted through the trees. We walked towards the sound, and came upon a small family band. The song was being played by an 18-year-old young lady in period dress. People were sitting around in amazement as she played the most amazing version I have ever heard. I will remember it forever.

[@adamrunyon4459]

wow...

[@JS-ob4oh]

It must be the ultimate satisfaction in life to know you created a thing of beauty that will live as long as there is one human being who remembers.

[@pegheadproductions]

Molly's guitar playing is exceptional too. While some might overlook it in favor of flashy finger movements, her technique is flawless and beautifully complements the violin. Sometimes, what you choose not to play is just as important as what you do play, and Molly absolutely *nails* that here!

[@wintercame]

Excellent observation.

[@dutchgirl7947]

This was played at my Dad's Funeral. Max Pylant. A great man and Father.

[@philipthompson3555]

Peace to his memory, and to all who love him.

[@PamelaClare]

My beautiful daughter-in-law played this today at her father's Celebration of Life. Not a dry eye in the room.

[@kingbushwickthe33rd]

Very Hauntingly Beautiful.Hard To Believe That It's Only 30 Years Old!! Sounds Like Something That should've Came Over From Ireland or Scotland in The 1700's!!

[@marshallman1au]

+kingbushwickthe33rd Fooled me! ROFL!

[@mensafordummies6370]

Ah, but it has! It's been carried in the hearts and souls of many Irish and Scots people for centuries. Jay Unger just made a way to let it come out so we can all hear it.

[@cannuck210]

My goodness, how could anyone give this magnificent music a negative vote? It is superb..

[@glasgowbrian1469]

probably a mistake

One of the most beautiful pieces of music I've heard....

[@GumperVanLier]

So moving. This instrumental is so haunting. I remember it in the Ken Burns PBS special on the Civil War.

[@erikhomuth2520]

It is a good song. :'( I also remember it also in the mini documentary

[@padraicwalsh6082]

No

[@erikhomuth2520]

Padraic Walsh no to what. The comments to this song or to the song it self. Just curious

[@seitch1]

This song is Scottish and was used for the PBS series on the Civil War. In reality it has nothing to do with the South or the Civil War other than that.

[@Powertuber1000]

This song combined with the reading of the Sullivan Ballou letter from the Ken Burns special is almost too much to handle. It's on KZbin: Sullivan Ballou - "Dear Sarah" - A Soldier's Farewell Letter to his Wife

[@christopherjames5192]

two years ago the most beautiful and precious woman I've ever met walked toward me down an aisle lined with a couple of our favorite people to begin the rest of our lives together... to this song:)

[@nextlifearotti]

I've just discovered my 10month old grandson loves it. I was trying to get him to sleep and he wouldn't settle. I happen to have my phone handy so I thought I'd look for something on KZbin. This happened to be the last thing I'd listened to so I just put it on. Honest to God, it was amazing. He stopped and just looked at my phone and just listened. I now play it every time it's his nap time. Fingers crossed... so far so good. He's not sick of it yet.

[@louisrichter7316]

My favorite waltz. Brought tears to my eyes. Had Jay never composed another thing, he would still have earned his place in Heaven.

[@steveb8169]

Ken's Civil War documentary is one of PBS greatest achievements and Jay's Ashokan Farewell is one of the most haunting instrumentals I have ever listened to. I return here often to listen to it and have watched Ken's documentary twice. To think the first battle and the last battle were fought on the same man's land is not only ironic, but to me indicates a Biblical intervention. Well Done Jay!

[@johnwatts8758]

Definitely his greatest achievement

[@roxannelangley9621]

It's amazing how I can imagine listening to it on a bayou in my home state of Louisiana, or floating through the Everglades, staring across the expanse of a Montana meadow and sky, walking through cottonwoods and poplars in Colorado, feeling the wind blow across the Texas hill country, riding a train through the northeast, or going on a hayride through the Vermont fall on the way to a bonfire, but it's not a song for the city. The city is just fancy clothes on the outside. This piece is the soul of what our nation was and still is in the hearts of those who truly love her.

[@markmendoza5825]

Couldn't have expressed it myself any better. Conjures up scenes of country life and views, unfit for the hustles/bustle of big city.

[@margf.6773]

Nonsense. It's for everyone who loves music. Stop being an elitist.

[@Ellecram]

​@@margf.6773 While a bit harsh I tend to agree. Music has a way of reaching us wherever we are. For me this bit of music captures the space that holds nostalgia in a way that is both heartbreaking yet hopeful.

[@darronhurst1590]

I beg to differ,respectfully...Im a black man,born and raised in the city of Dallas;Texas and from my first time hearing this song,I've never been able to erase it from my memory and I think it's a tune that plays in one's heart..Music of any genre,is a path to our souls and hearts..To those who enjoy its perfect melody,Have a great night 🌙

[@lafoonxiii5311]

Dropped your dogwhistle there.

[@kwmoore3464]

Even though this was never intended to be a Civil War song, it still fits. It has to be one of the best melodies ever recorded. I never get tried of hearing it. It always brings up emotions within me.

[@russcastella]

Brilliant and full of emotion. Anyone with a pure heart will find this tune heartwarming.

[@Nibbles-w8j]

I am English and in the mid 1990’s I saw the American civil war documentary by Ken Burns and was captivated by this tune it touched me deeply as soon as I heard it. You don’t have to be American to feel America’s beating heart and to love it’s deep roots and core

[@mikey29211]

Jay's use of grace notes brings out so much emotion makes me tear up

[@juanitar.miller5210]

But especially when Molly is playing is the sweetest form of heavenly bliss! Love that so much.

[@kennethmcmanaman7766]

A great Southern Lament; such beautiful music.

[@thomashillson660]

Beautiful. Just beautiful. Thank you all.

[@markjones7063]

A rare gem of composition. Admittedly, it got a lot of exposure due to the Ken Burns series but it's a genius melody, hands down the best I've heard in many years.

[@KyleTheLEGOMaster]

Yellowstone brought me here.

[@didierfelicite3316]

Me too

[@NicholasHardesty]

I know Ken Burns uses this in his Civil War documentary, but I was literally watching Yellowstone just now, this came on, I realized I always wanted to know the name of this song, held the phone up to it, and here we are.

[@slingerzzoriginalcoillasso8929]

The melancholy this song evokes racks me to the core every time I hear it. When first seeing the Civil War documentary back in the 90's I was shattered to the bone with the violence we did to ourselves in this country, and still do. This melody captures the sorrow, the grief and pain that the American soul endures but will not own.

[@adub4ever]

Ken Burns Civil War documentary brought me here.... Wow, such a beautiful tune.

[@MajorBilly]

+adub4ever Same here.

[@danieldowning4583]

Bravo, absolutely beautiful. Still wiping the tears from my eyes. May the Lord hold y'all in the palm of his hand.

[@woofy680]

This in my opinion is the most beautiful and loving song that I have or will ever hear in my life. If god or love can be put into any kind of human discrimination, word, or form, to me this song would be that. Simply lovingly beautiful. Thank you for such a beautiful gift you gave to the world.

[@nellieou]

Jay Ungar just proved every violin teacher wrong. You CAN play very well despite wrong wrist form. 😄

[@Robert_The_Bruce05]

I think the reason that they discourage this wrist form is because it can have negative effects. I had a teacher (an old-time fiddler) who did this and got permanent damage to her pinky. I have corrected my wrist form, as being an Irish fiddler, the pinky is very important.

[@hannahpeng6190]

Well, it’s mainly bc of style. I’m guessing that you probably learned classical violin, and wrist posture etc is heavily emphasized in classical music. However, folk is so loose and casual, you could say (in terms of posture). People back then would just pull out their fiddles and play, and meticulous details such as curved pinkies and bent wrists weren’t so important. Fiddlers do have ‘worse’ posture in terms of classical music standards, even though they can still play just as well.

[@gaborkorthy8355]

I learned to play violin from a classically trained teacher. Wrist form both hands, how you held the instrument etc was stressed. Now I go to fiddle jams and see people that do every thing "wrong" and play like angels. LOL

[@fantaclaus7053]

If the vanishing America of yesteryear has a voice, this must be it.

[@joefranklin9881]

your right

[@LisaHawkinsHotJava]

Thank you!

[@inandaround4667]

Oh, I know what you mean. Even "if" it was a dream, a fiction, a story that was told to inspire...I miss it whatever it was.

[@Xenogeek2]

--even tho it was composed in 1982.

[@metalgear6531]

A very American expression of the emotion the Russians call "toska". It can be anything from a profound yearning for something you can't describe, or a simple boredom.

[@gerryfincati8036]

I want this played at my funeral, but I would like to be there to hear it! 😢

[@TheRealGrandadNo1]

You will be, nothing dies, it just changes form, just like all of nature.

[@johnwatts8758]

You will be

[@ItsAllJustFuckery]

Played this at my poppy's funeral. Reminds me of the simplicity and good moments in life we often overlook and take for granted. What a beautiful piece of music.

[@saragrooms1530]

I want this at my funeral. I'm a little young to think about it, but I was raised in the south and this is fitting.

[@user-tn8bu5gm3b]

The “Cruel War “. Brother against brother. I weep when I think about it. This tune says it all to me, and the violin is perfect!

[@1980bwc]

I always get chills when this song is played. I live only a few miles from Shiloh National Military Park, and go visit there often. Everytime I hear this song, its like it takes me back to that time in history. Very powerful

[@michaelkelly9714]

The plough and the stars by Sean O Casey

[@brookshughey4060]

Now you know what the term "achingly beautiful" means.

[@inandaround4667]

No doubt from a "Terrible Beauty"

[@jimmie200]

Yes. I wish I could give this another thumbs up every time I watch it.

[@Defender78]

these are definitely the squeakiest violins ever

[@LostintheTwilightZone]

Neil Gow's "Lament for the Death of his Second Wife" is another incredibly beautiful song written in 1805.

[@chad7131]

Wow. You nailed the feeling

[@sandraanslow3479]

The interesting thing is, this song was written by Jay when leaving the beautiful Ashokan Music Camp one year...it’s a beautiful camp in the Catskills that Jay and Molly very lovingly run...he was sad at leaving and wrote this song to the Ashokan Camp. I very much like thinking of this song in relation to the camp instead of war.....

[@michaeldesanta977]

I shall always be near you; in the gladdest days and in the darkest nights. Always.

[@MeyerinkWoodworking]

I miss you Dad every day... I know you're looking down on all of us right now

[@NawDawgTheRazor]

One of the most moving, bittersweet, and wholesomely warm pieces ever composed. Imagine listening to this live amidst fall foliage in Ashokan village, reminiscing about loved ones who passed and those still with you, being one with life, nature, and the world.

[@frankjennings4022]

We stood at the overlook at Pea Ridge battlefield and our small children said "this place makes me sad." I told them that the place had been made Holy ground by the prayers of the men wounded and dying there. We all had a good cry considering the last cries of those wound boys knowing they'd never see home and hearth again. My own ancestors fought for the south and made their sacrifices. All blood is red north south black white. Once it is spilled you can't tell from whence it flowed.

[@3cardmonty602]

Best Ashokan Farewell by the Composer himself. Minimal is Big!

[@badweetabix]

Less is more.

[@100hmose]

Ashokan farewell burns

[@susanramsey6545]

I play this a lot in honor of my departed Hubby. We loved Gettysburg and heard this song in the Ken Burns Civil War miniseries. So it is fitting and proper that I should play it for him whenever I am in Gettysburg. Sunset from Little Round Top…my favorite place to dedicate this wonderful song to him.

[@lavictoire1960]

This ranks among the best of American music.

[@josemariagarcia1099]

This music reminds me of the beautiful America I knew. God bless her always.

[@JDboxbox]

Keep coming back to this one over the years, simply wonderful. Thank you so much!!!

[@JDboxbox]

I’m back

[@chris4454x]

A modern classic., like the Civil War documentary it illuminated to great effect. Wistful, sad, moving but somehow hopeful. I’m always on the edge of tears listening to it

[@Nafregamisrocanob]

One of the best renditions of Ashokan Farewell I’ve ever heard, with exception to the original by Jay Ungar.

[@pjones7012]

Thank you so much jay and Molly for sharing so much with us.

[@derekstocker6661]

Used to love watching the American Civil War programme that first put me on to this treasure! Thanks Folks for this, absolutely love this classic!

[@DuffmaneB]

I’m amazing to me this song was made in the 1980s it has such an old world feel to it.

[@markski7725]

Just beautiful. Amazing how powerful music can be.

[@bobt6518]

So incredibly beautiful - thank you for sharing your gifts

[@HistorybyJummy]

They played this at my dad’s funeral. I miss him so much. I hope I’ll see him again one day

[@HistorybyJummy]

56, so fucking unfair

[@popezaphod]

I am blessed to have heard Jay and Molly play this AT the Ashokan Center. So beautiful...