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

Jay Ungar and Molly Mason Family Band perform "Ashokan Farewell" live in the Folk Alley studio.
Jay Ungar - fiddle;
Molly Mason - guitar;
Ruthy Ungar - fiddle;
Mike Merenda - banjo
Please consider donating to Folk Alley to support this video series: www.folkalley.com/support/donate
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The Ashokan Center is the oldest outdoor environmental education organization in New York State. Its bucolic 385-acre campus is comprised of fields, forests, trails and streams and features a number of historically significant structures including Turnwood Covered Bridge (1885), the original Marbletown Schoolhouse (1817), and the Winchell Farmhouse (1780).
With the goal of teaching, inspiring and building community, the Center conducts residential and day programs for students and teachers of all ages in the following areas: Natural Science including Watershed Studies and Ecology, Living History, and Team Building.
Other programming includes the renowned week-long overnight Ashokan Music & Dance Camps, concerts, dances, and visual art exhibitions. More information here :: ashokancenter.org
Visit FolkAlley.com for more videos: www.folkalley.com/music/sessi...

[@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! :)

[@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.

[@user-gm3qd6ek1w]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 Ballot’s letter. That would be perfect.

[@melaniewebb3890]

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

[@augustobraidotti6992]

Bless you. All the best.

[@PamelaClare]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@danielburnham]

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

[@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"?

[@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.

[@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

[@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! 🙏

[@danraven2582]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@jkllcarpenter]

It's ok if you fall apart. Just pick it back up and start again when the emotional storm passes.

[@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!_*

[@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.

[@StephanieYoungChannl]

This tune was played at my great aunt's funeral last weekend. Beautiful song! 🌷🌹🌻🌹🌺

[@russcastella]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@danieldowning4583]

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

[@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...

[@cannuck210]

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

[@glasgowbrian1469]

probably a mistake

[@brandonmcmahan2859]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@JDboxbox]

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

[@Canoe571]

Many seem to believe that this is an "old Civil War tune." It is an original by Jay Ungar, composed in the 1980's, as I recall.

[@adub4ever]

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

[@MajorBilly]

+adub4ever Same here.

[@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:)

[@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. ❤

[@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.

[@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.....

[@kevinmac59v2]

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

[@joemarshall4226]

I used to go to a potluck dinner group back in the early 80s at my friend Bill's house. There was a guy there named Jay, who played in a local group called "Fiddle Fever". Everybody said he was very good. There was a potter named Joy Brown who worked hard making various kinds of pieces. We were all basically poor young adults, mostly in our twenties, trying to find a place in the world. Years later, I heard that he was a touring pro with Molly Mason. Then I was driving in the car one day, going to a tennis tournament, and the album version of this song came on the radio, and I thought I would die, it was so beautiful.....they said it was called "Ashokan Farewell" and the author was Jay Ungar! The same Jay I had met at the dinners! Joy Brown got a lucky break, and her work took over the NYC streets for a while. My son, who was just a baby at the time, is a professional singer-songwriter and world-class juggler....I am a singer-songwriter too,. Who knew? We were just hacking around....untappedcities.com/2017/05/18/adorable-bronze-figures-by-joy-brown-arrive-on-the-broadway-malls-in-nyc/ Jay is not Irish, but this song captures the essence of the longing for the homeland that Irish-Americans felt in the 1800s, when they came on coffin ships looking to survive, never to return...I think that's why it gets me, since I had 8 great-grandparents like that......Check out the song "Letters From Ireland" about the same subject...also heart-breaking......

[@HailAnts]

Every few months I have to hear this. Reminds me of the meaning of life..

[@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

[@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.

[@juanitar.miller5210]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Funkopotomis]

@@Xenogeek2 I think he composed it as a last tune to be played for an American folk music festival. You can see as a voice of yesteryear or as a last wail of a dying art but the when is less important than the why to me. Different meaning to us all but that is probably a sign of good music than anything else

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

[@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.

[@NJtuber88]

Thank you.....so beautiful....so painful so lonely......wonderful.

[@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!

[@tarquinalgernonmoncrief3670]

My wife walked down the aisle to this at our wedding

[@christineschroeder4587]

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

[@misha1o1]

My only question is, "Did Ken Burns make this tune famous or did Ashokan Farewell make Ken Burns famous?"

[@Lava1964]

A bit of both, I'd say,

[@muffdiver240]

Lava1964 Perhaps. But I likely never would have heard it, if not for the documentary.

[@Lava1964]

Same for me. As soon as I heard this magnificent piece of music one minute into the documentary, I was hooked.

[@muffdiver240]

Lava1964 Yep, same here. And I was surprised to discover that it was a contemporary piece of music.

[@Lava1964]

Indeed. I initially thought it was a nineteenth-century work too. It has that feel to it. Ken Burns could not have picked a better piece of music for The Civil War if he specially commissioned one to be written. The truly happy part is that Ashokan Farewell proves that talented musicians are still creating wonderful stuff, despite what passes for popular music nowadays.

[@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

[@bobyoung356]

When I was just a small little brat, I remember the farmers, ranchers, and all kinds of other folk getting together, bringing whatever instrument they played, choosing a place and all getting together. My Ma and others would cook and cook, a couple of water troughs filled with ice and A-1 Beer. Started around 6:00 when the chores were done and might go till way way in the morning. My Da played his banjo and he played it well. Miss those days, all the farmers and cowboys who'd get together and have fun. Anybody got out hand they took care of it without calling the Sheriff but there were always one or two deputies there too and they sang and played as well. All gone now, farms and ranches now just part of West Phoenix or Goodyear or Buckeye. Sure miss those day.

[@popezaphod]

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

[@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.

[@DuffmaneB]

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

[@nellieou]

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

[@Lochlannach661]

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

[@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.

[@irvinslagter8298]

Is that beautiful or what!? Done very slowly like a waltz should be, and every note just hangs there and lets you enjoy it. Jay and Molly are really team and their admiration for each other is so evident in every video I see of them. When I heard this song on the Ken Burns special, I'd not heard of Jay and Molly. I thought is was so beautiful, and then I saw them on PBS's show, Old Time Country Music the was hosted by Bob Everhart on Iowa PTV. And now on here. Thank you for posting this!

[@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.

[@graybaby1962]

This reminds me of my late father. He passed in July 2012. He was into history. His favorite part of history was th Civil War. He loved the music of the soundtrack of the Ken Burn miniseries. It still send cold shivers on my spine. I couldn't help but cry for the loss of my father. It was devastating part of our country's history. It is sad we are in a war of words we are in right now. What is sad because we may not agree with one another, we put hatred in place. What is sad that we don't see the distention we are enduring now.

[@markski7725]

Just beautiful. Amazing how powerful music can be.

[@dhutch71]

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

[@whitenas]

God knows what I would give up to play like this. Fantastic job 👏. Spot on performance

[@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

[@sharonpritchett9877]

What a wonderful experience to be able to hear this beautiful song. Thank you, again and again.

[@rokerroar]

“Sullivan Ballou was killed a week later at the first battle of Bull Run”

[@godwinsonofwessex]

very true...rokerite...a lover of ken burns civil war like myself...a boro fan ..although lived in south since 98...

[@andyecheandia8375]

This is one of those pieces that can be played at almost any function.

[@sirarthurfiggis]

I hear in this beautiful melody that times have been hard before, that they may be hard now, and that they will be hard again, but that the spirit of humanity - dogged, imperfect and hopeful - will persevere.

[@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

[@Jack.333]

I wish for Jay, Molly and family & The Very Large Ashokan Family the very best of life. Thank You...

[@russcastella]

Play this at my funeral

[@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.

[@marantzsteve]

lovely beyond words.

[@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.

[@barclayasher5579]

I had never heard of this tune until I stumbled across it on a disc " Summon The Heroes " by The Band of H.M. Royal Marines and as my late father was a former RM Colour Sergeant, I had it played at his funeral in Scotland. A really beautiful and moving piece. Simply beautiful

[@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

[@macrawannie]

I taught Strolling Strings in Newburgh, NY in the '90's . Jay Ungar came in to do a workshop on Ashokan Farewell with my students-- wonderful experience for all!!!

[@katelevin232]

Such a powerful beautiful song that brings tears to so many eyes ! I feel very lucky to have heard it live several times at Ashokan . Thank you Jay and family !!!

[@ACH318]

Lovely piece of music

[@bensyson3438]

No matter how many times I hear this, it's still the most touching and beautifully composed song I've ever heard. Goosebumps from the first to the last note. Bravo

[@LilianaGarcia-ve7ob]

I've heard this incredible song in The tv serie Yellowstone and wow I was totally in love.

[@HawkBit9231]

beautiful. so sad, yet once of the most inspiring pieces of music I've heard.

[@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

[@trav6925]

This song makes my soul feel like it is a melody I have always known, but recently remembered...

[@bsdetector6462]

Only listened to this about 14 times now 😢what a beautiful tune.goose bumps all overgreat listen guys thank you 👏🏻

[@dabprod]

My wife and daughter and I saw Jay Ungar and Molly Mason in concert many years ago in Sugar Loaf NY. They were fabulous and still are.

[@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

[@Newrivergraphics872]

Ken Burns got lucky when he found this song for his civil war documentary. It made the documentary.

[@jsstar76]

He didn’t find it…he wrote the song in 1982

[@stevedyer5902]

Beautiful, simply beautiful....the passing of decades has a way of changing a person. Perhaps one day when I hear incredible music like this, the tears will no longer flow freely from my eyes. (Most likely, if you check my pulse, I will be deceased) Thanks again for sharing your wonderful music with us!

[@johncook1080]

Mr. Jay, your Ashoken Farewell has found a home among our country's best loved folk songs. Not unlike the haunting melody of Wayfaring Stranger, or the beautiful Shenandoah, your song is among those to which new violin players aspire. I am among them. God bless you, and thank you.

[@joshuanichols9884]

Jesus... I held back tears for my grandmother's funeral, but after 1 minute of this my eyes turn to rain clouds! Might just be the greatest song I've ever emotionally heard!