Fanfare for the Common Man - “The Presidents Own®” U.S. Marine Band®

“The Presidents Own®” U.S. Marine Band® performs Aaron Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man."
Episode 4436. Aired September 21, 2014.

[@danconner8531]

I recently learned the backstory is that this piece was written in 1942 and debuted in 1943, the darkest days of WW2. This was a time when victory was in no way certain and far more than the daily average of 308 military dead were streaming home. Yet there is an expansive, victorious character to this piece. Copeland wrote to inspire and uplift Americans hearts and illuminate a vision of victory. Now I understand why this composition is such a tearjerker.

[@titarivera4655]

Thanks for sharing!

[@themightycrixus1131]

Thank you for the facts. Every time I hear this I think of its use in Saving Private Ryan. It was one of my favorite films growing up. I was fascinated with the era and how heroic men were in that time.

[@user-il5oq5df6l]

Rest in peace, Aaron Copland.

[@douglasoffermann3163]

I have no military service record but the backstory of heartache, struggle with character is a timeless reminder that the beauty of life is not whether you win or lose but that you fought for something better. Today's politics could use several doses of this music. We all need to see life through music

[@karlforster4907]

Thank you for the insight. I like this piece even better now.

[@H-mv2jp]

Surely the music can speak to the common “man” of all nations. I am a British woman and have loved this piece from the first time l heard it.

[@Chuckt961]

I am the Common Man. This is for us. For "We the people" and it's an honor and a privilege to be an American. Be Good. Be Honorable. Be Truthful. Earn this.

[@empressofherteatable]

For Americans and every human being. We are all brothers and sisters!

[@maryapffel9105]

For our veterans. Our trash collectors. Our home health nurses. Our masons, carpenters & painters. Our hotel housekeepers. Our common men & women who make civilization possible ❤

[@JadeDelphi]

Amen❤

[@jwinn1269]

Our mothers, our fathers, our grandparents who fought in WWII! ❤

[@williamboo9017]

Thanks so much all of you. I needed to see that. ❤

[@vanreese7184]

Our local radio station played this on September 11, 2001 while we were trying to understand and recover from the events of the day. It was amazing and the perfect song for that day.

[@russakawinderstempling505]

Our Father requested that we play this song at his funeral as we carried him from the hearse to his final resting spot on the hill above. Somehow he knew that it would take exactly the length of this musical piece to carry him that distance. He chose this to be played as he likened death to being just the first step into the greatest adventure of all time, and believed it embodied that final goodbye perfectly, much as you would expect to hear it playing as a group of astronauts turn and wave that final goodbye before stepping into their rocket and blasting into the unknown!!! It has almost been a year now since we lost him, and as a Marine Corps Veteran myself, hearing this song played so amazingly by my brothers and sisters in uniform, truly hit that tender spot!!! Safe journey Pops!!! We all miss you!!! Until our time comes to make that journey ourselves, may you find peace in yours!!!----------Your Son, Russ Semper Fidelis!!!

[@matthewferszt531]

Your testimony brought as many tears to my eye as the music itself. Your father has, indeed, taken the first step of the thousand-mile journey.

[@KC-xe1pr]

Russ aka Winders Templing !

[@amelmillou3670]

The greatest adventure of all time!! I love what your dad said my friend God bless you all the way from the U. K!!!

[@terrylynch415]

What a beautiful testimony to your father. I’m planning my dad service right now and came across this song it’s beautiful . Dad was a World War II veteran -Air Force.

[@karlkutac1800]

I'm a USN vet. My ship carried Marines to Desert Storm. Like your dad, I want this played at my funeral, but maybe for different reasons. The song celebrates the common man. Like, me. Like, all the folks I served with. Like, all the folks back home that I was serving for. Every common man can be a hero, if he or she serves a higher cause. I served to protect and defend our Constitution. I'm ok with that.

[@sarasotasailor]

Love my Navy and my Marine Corp. But above all My God from Heaven who made this Nation, and we must preserve it

[@grouper916]

On the day of my father's funeral. I woke in the morning and turned the radio on when without a pause the tune was starting up. I sat in wonder at the timing. My Dad was the great common man.

[@matthewferszt531]

Almost as the universe itself was paying tribute to a "great common man."

[@tasichannel9475]

May he rest in peace.

[@wolvenwood]

Your comment made me cry, THANK YOU! May your father rest in peace. What is remembered LIVES.

[@larrypinkney9672]

As the son of a U.S. military Korean War veteran I salute you and your late father. Larry Pinkney

[@KibetArapSang]

wow

[@johncourt6434]

This music was for the special generation. The ordinary men and women who, in a nations darkest time, laid their lives on the line for not only their nation but for the belief that freedom was worth everything that they had to offer. Thank you to all of these people.

[@josephmackinley4395]

May those who serve to ensure our freedom endures be blessed by The Lord God Almighty. Their ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten, always remembered.

[@matthewferszt531]

Never forget, remember always. All to often the tree of liberty is watered by the blood of patriots.

[@elizabethholland2293]

This song goes out to all the grocery store workers, healthcare professionals, delivery workers, and other front-liners. Thank you--all the "common men" who are holding the world together right now.

[@chrispalm2007]

❤️

[@robertleath9913]

And dont forget the great farmers around the world who work hard to feed us all. This song should be dedicated especially to them.

[@FifthContinentMusic]

This is a concert work, NOT a song. Your terminology is wrong. Copland thought of the 'common man' when he composed this in 1944 whilst WW II raged on.

[@nathanjackson4189]

Welcome

[@edbaker8755]

I remember quite vividly from the closing ceremonies of the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. It still brings me to tears of patriotic joy! God Bless America 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@peteroloughlin1694]

BRILLIANT. One of my favourite pieces of music.

[@sleepyyy_steve]

This is truly one of the best performances of this incredible piece. ❤

[@spock9598]

I agree, this is a perfect version. I wish it would last for hours, so uplifting and beautiful and majestic.

[@akalt7007]

I played French horn for ten years and couldn’t hold back tears while playing this anthem. Had to remember to wear waterproof makeup in the dress blues. I never got the honor to serve, cancer claimed me first, but had many of my friends go overseas. The return of one in a flag-draped casket gave me one final honor of playing. I was laying on the floor in a puddle of tears as soon as I said goodbye. I’ll never play again.

[@dr.kenmahood4917]

I had the honour of studying composition with Aaron Copland in 1969 years before his death. Truly a great American composer but one of the most humble individuals I have ever known. He later used this great fanfare as the theme for his Symphony No. 3. Thank you Mr. Copland for giving me inspiration and confidence.

[@JediMaestr0]

That's amazing. I'm glad you had such an amazing opportunity, and I am, of course, quite jealous. I'm currently studying composition.

[@ijpcreativitymusic2613]

Where did you study composition with him? Friends and I were delighted to catch an recital at Cornell with Copland on piano accompanying a student of his. In the early 1970s.

[@JCIGF]

Superb. The "common" man is far less common than despots and leaders would have us think. We're not sheep. We've all got seeds of greatness in us. Every one of us.

[@jamesslick4790]

Yes, This is for the MANY, not the FEW!

[@christophermanos8613]

Both of my Uncles fought in World War II. This rendition is a great tribute to all veterans. On behalf of my family - we are ETERNALLY GRATEFUL for the sacrifices paid by all who have served and died for the preservation of our Republic. God Bless You All.

[@clivetaylor961]

I'm not Marine Corp but a British Army vet of 24 years but that doesn't take away what this awesome piece of music means to so many. Respect all especially those of us that stood shoulder to shoulder.

[@oldbiker9]

Respect . Grit in my eyes . UK Marine. Once a Marine Always a Marine.

[@johnjames529]

Thank you both for your respective service to your countries.

[@jayadams303]

US Army 66-69 -- my greatest memory

[@Mrmidtown1]

This piece is truly beyond borders. Though not written specifically for the service, it's haunting gaps of space and sweeping melody is emotional for all. Thank you for your service.

[@tasichannel9475]

Semper Fi, brother.

[@caitlinwilliams8893]

Man. That Trumpet part at the beginning, and followed with the Horns. Gets me every dang time.

[@zachmerryfield8789]

When I hear this song. I am always reminded of the great accomplishments our world and nation has done.

[@debrabolton9372]

A favorite classical piece of mine beautifully performed. This country would be nowhere without the common man and woman.

[@alanpoulsen4895]

What an absolutely beautiful performance of an AMERICAN (democrat or republican) icon of the musical part of being truly AMERICAN. I pray all of our beloved country find JOY in works like this.........

[@KSfan4ever]

This is an extraordinary performance!. One of the best brass sections ever! Silky smooth trumpets, rich sonorous french horns, commanding trombones and precise tympani and bass drum. Fabulous!!

[@johnfargher99]

Brilliant. I remember as a young British soldier seeing this at a US parade in Germany 40 yrs ago. It blew my mind.

[@ghill4947]

I appreciate when I hear orchestras from other countries play this piece; but it will always represent America.🇺🇸

[@1glopz]

If you listen to this and don't get any goose bumps or a tear in the eye your probably dead.

[@alaandre004]

Last Chance i get chills

[@1glopz]

That means you are alive and well and probably a patriot

[@dadthecrewmate1429]

Last Chance don't worry, every time the Ab chord towards the end hits im a living goosebump

[@justinnash1701]

Last Chance when i read ur comment i started to cry then the gosesbumps hit

[@Buckblacket]

Hello, yes is that the undertakers............?

[@johnathandoe5357]

I want this song to be played at my funeral, especially if I unfortunately die while I’m still in the Army. I played this song way back in high school and it’s been permanently stuck in my head ever since. The title and emotions of this song speak to me. The reason I want this played at my military funeral is to say “I wanted nothing more in life to be a ‘common man’ but felt in my heart I had a responsibility to fulfill and sacrifices to make”

[@emperoring112]

My marching band played this as our opener every single year. Playing this song on the football field was such an amazing experience and never failed to get the goosebumps going!

[@plutomakesgrilledcheese2740]

I want to be the kind of man who would deserve this piece played at my funeral.

[@matthewferszt531]

I don't know if you''ll ever read this, but I have to say that your comment struck home in a way that none of the others did. Thank you (what an inadequate phrase) for sharing.

[@supermanfan369]

This is by far the best version I’ve ever heard of this amazing song. Goosebumps.

[@mah26rib]

I never tire playing this magnificient fanfare on timpani. It's a monumental piece of music and get goosebumps with each note played

[@pastorart1974]

One of the many reasons why I love Classical Music.

[@lauraschofield4168]

I never tire of listening to this piece. Aaron Copeland is my favorite American composer. I also love the Emerson, Lake and Palmer version.

[@pibly7784]

Same here.

[@nmikloiche]

I played this in HS band in 1990 and fell in love with it. ❤

[@misterlarryb]

I am so glad to read I am not the only one moved to tears by this piece. I'm still not exactly sure why. In the 1960s or 70s at least a part of this piece preceded the National Anthem and was accompanied by very regal, sweeping landscapes and Armed Service footage- it was used as a TV station sign-off, possibly one of the big three in the Philadelphia area. (Yes, TV didn't always play 24/7!). Decades later, this tune haunted me. I didn't know the name of it. I couldn't find it anywhere, not even on a website that featured TV sign-offs. I don't remember how I found this (maybe a classical station played it?), but when I found it, I was both ecstatically joyful and deeply somber, and flooded with tears. Can't explain it, will just have to embrace it. Semper Fi.

[@SKF358]

This is gorgeous. Thank you to all the women and men involved.

[@rizmacadillac]

This WAS written for you, your Dad and remember that America is a country with a lot of "class" but without the negative implications of a class system so it is for all Americans. You have to work for what you want anywhere and anything worth achieving is worth the work. We had this in our home when I was a kid and I "believed". The Cincinnati Orchestra recorded our version and it may well have been the most played "hymn" in the whole collection. Hats off to all Americans!

[@jslasher1]

When Sir Eugene Goosens commissioned those American composers of note to compose fanfares honouring Americans [and Europeans in the axis powers] in various branches of the armed services, Aaron Copland chose to honour the 'common man'. His fanfare, which stands quite alone, is the only one to remain in the current concert repertoire. Once heard, never forgotten.

[@colleenturnage8846]

This is one of my favorite pieces of music...EVER!

[@donalddenton2297]

This piece of music, along with the Navy Hymn (Eternal Father, Strong to Save), always leaves me in utter silence...with tears.

[@rodsprague369]

This is the best interpretation I have ever heard. Most of the others have a gong that sounds way too much like a cymbal. This gong has the strong bass fundamental pitch that has the gravitas to be the foundation for the aspirational high brass. This could be the theme of a star ship. This brings tears to my eyes.

[@paulabrunetto2329]

And, Thank you Mr. Aaron Copland for writing this music.....Another great American.

[@danfink9794]

Impressive. Clean. Each section of musicians in perfect order, harmony, and tune. I assume the objective is to represent the spirit of the USMC. Well done!

[@quintyoung]

That piece is just sublime. The performance is epic and it never fails to either give me chills, or tear up a little... truly magnificent.

[@colleenturnage8846]

This is one of my all-time favorite pieces of music... EVER.

[@Buzard9696]

One of the most amazing pieces I have ever heard. Brings chills to my body and tears to my eyes. One proud American!

[@SkyEye91]

Cpl. Hodge - USMC - 1stBN/6thMAR/2ndMARDIV -- These Marines play as smooth as silk. It's an honor to see our band playing for the world.

[@thebigstonk4386]

I remember playing this in my Marching Band and Concert Band, both were used as endings and got us in very high spots

[@araeagle3829]

Everytime I hear the trumpets first entrance, I get goosebumps. Marvelous rendition!

[@AustralianInSiberia]

Certainly one of the most stirring fanfare suites ever written, and the best-known and best-loved today, owing to the trio Emerson Lake and Palmer. A wonderfully valedictory work, full of the great American pride. A terrific and essential performance by the President's Own.

[@charlesharris7445]

That is one of the most breathtaking arrangements, full of drama, pageantry, and awe.

[@rolfwillebrands2911]

Such a great rendition of an eternal tune. Yes, goose bumps and tears. Emerson, Lake and Palmer certainly set the bar very high.

[@kathyevans110]

So moving. Brought tears to my eyes, thinking of so many soldiers fighting for MY freedom. Very humbling.

[@cgom8765]

Que linda música de Mr. Copland! E juntamente com Back To Begining essas são as duas músicas mais belas interpretadas por Emerson, Lake & Palmer 🎵🎶😍

[@williamenser]

That sounded great! So in tune. Semper fi.

[@The_Frozen_1]

Excellent! Not rushed like many versions of this classic on KZbin. Nicely done!

[@lindamoses3697]

There is nothing as proud and peircing as this magnificent peice, especially when played with honor as a service man or woman. God bless our great nation and every person in it. May the trumpets of freedom always sound off here and the light of God spread to every nation under heave.

[@cowapocalypse75]

This is the ONLY KZbin performance of this where the timpanist got the mallet choice right. Ultra staccato T3 all the way!!

[@ancientappalachian3405]

God bless the soul of the composer to this great music- Aaron Copland; from his imagination to the rest of the world...May he rest in peace.

[@patricialumadue9932]

As

[@davew4998]

This sends shivers down my spine. To me, this embodies America's greatness more than any other music, including their national anthem.

[@igmothemagus]

Gotta love the Trombone players for bringing the "Meat" to that BBQ. The did an amazing job.

[@theriverhudson4005]

Absolutely amazing. Performed with gracious dignity. You gentlemen honor us all.

[@scottc977]

Yes they do

[@joenobody571]

God bless the marine past and present I was usn and I am proud of that but regret not going to the marines god bless the marine you are why we are free today

[@FifthContinentMusic]

Superb performance. Could not possibly be any better. Aaron Copland would haved loved this.

[@keztrucker7478]

Amazing piece of music ,always puts me in mind of president Kennedy for some reason, also I would like to give my respects to the band . as a former Royal Marine commando I salute my cousins in the service across the pond.

[@alaandre004]

KEZ TRUCKER This song is a perfect ode to Kennedy

[@robertboot7803]

This music reminds you of Kennedy? It's the banging, the continual banging.

[@jgjmulders]

This is one of the best played version on You tube, great orchestra very good condubter en the tympany' s are Fantastic. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@camtheorganman]

KEZ TRUCKER Probably because JFK served on a PT Boat in the navy during the second Great War.

[@kontanaizumi]

I always thought it cause this sounds like a lot of music that goes with the space program

[@TravelingBuildingGrowing]

I am not sure how you can dislike this, that's just crazy.

[@danbytp]

For every person who ever served in the military,first responders,and health care worker!!

[@lafayette6762]

This is beautiful. Makes me proud to be a marine sergeant.

[@matthewferszt531]

SEMPER FII, mac.

[@hernanferrea6589]

Semper Fi! Marine. Thank you for your service.

[@ChristyWerpy-sl5oq]

This is by far the most beautiful movement by Maestro Copland. Moving, powerful, dynamic, AMAZING.

[@Xampf1]

So fitting that the inspiration for this beautiful piece of music was given to Aaron Copland. I can't think of a more humble composer. While Sousa's marches reminded us how great America is, Copland's scores were a reminder of what we should aspire to be.

[@williamweir322]

Great rendition, well done. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Petergymboy]

I have had the pleasure of playing the Timpani part on a number of performances of this piece (in Sydney Australia). Absolutely amazing experience. Whilst, technically, it is not a difficult part in rhythm ( @ a slow 4/4), it does demand the percussionists to have absolute command over the drums. The art here is to stir the spirits without deafening the audience. You call for the roar from the deep bowl of the drum (32" F) and Copland brings in the second drum ( 29" C) to lift the dark note. They are stately and commanding, yet they soar to heaven. Your whole body literally moves with each beat and the notes on the drum... in hope that God (or the gods) will hear you and bless all the common man (and women) that hear them...

[@mrbananaman8032]

Well said Lawrence. The amount of people on earth who get to experience that from a timpanist's shoes is extremely small. It's a feeling thet cannot be fully explained with words. The timpani part near the last quarter of Bachannale is another great piece for timpani but not in this specific style.

[@davecroston2914]

The intonation of the brass players of this band is nothing short of stunning! I've heard major symphony orchestras fall short in this area when performing this piece.

[@josephcarlbreil5380]

The finest and most memorable of all the Fanfares commissioned by Eugene Goosens, conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, during the dark days of World War II. The U S Navy Band do it full justice.

[@MickeyKraut419]

President's Own is an elite group of brass and percussionists from the Marine Corp Band... better known as the Men's department of the Navy... Don't insult those poor jarheads by insinuating they're merely special squidflakes, lol.

[@teresapotter3664]

My favourite piece of brass music. I first heard this as a pop piece by Emerson, Lake and Palmer but this is far better!

[@starshiptrouter]

This is a beautiful performance. I'm used to Emerson, Lake and Palmer's version, which admittedly is also pretty amazing.

[@nanomachines10]

All this percussion is just wonderful. :-)

[@Speck25]

Yeah but the trumpets and horns are perfection

[@MyLittlePinhead]

Beautifully interpreted. Strength with sensitivity -- this is a wonderful performance. Thank you.

[@philliplongley7907]

Hello, I remember Emerson Lake & Palmer playing their version at the Olympic Game in the mid 1980s.

[@alexanderemslie7475]

Awesome. Also remember Emerson Lake and Palmer picking up on this in the middle 70’s. Love both versions 👍

[@ldobehardcore]

It's beautiful in its simplicity. Pretty much just arpeggios up and down. But the key changes really make it.

[@mrbananaman8032]

And the enveloping timpani, bass drum and gong. This is really a treat if your sound system can reproduce the low bass.

[@pepperths1mp743]

In music class we watched this live on the Detroit symphony and it was my favorite out of all of them.

[@charlesfalzon3372]

Only one or maybe two words......Awesome and Magnificently executed!!!!!! Copeland was a great composer and humble

[@Normantnt]

The finest fanfare in the history of man, performed by some of the finest musicians. I am sure this is what Aaron Copeland envisioned when he put such thoughts to music.

[@user-wp4ju4hp5w]

Excellent idea that the timpanist faced the bass drum player as they have be exactly together

[@TheGrahamMichael]

New Year's Eve 1999 into 2000. Techno/House Nightclub in the UK. When midnight struck, the DJ played this. No kidding. The place went nuts euphoric.

[@1234deathletter]

beautiful! absolutely beautiful!

[@danielgrants4252]

Awesome US royal Marine band display. Thumbs up

[@walterbiechele2868]

this brought me to tears !

[@TheMusicscotty]

Exquisite!!

[@tomtavasci6088]

stunningly majestic! but bummer for the euphoniums just having to sit there, but it would be a great place to sit.

[@normanspratling8303]

Best version on KZbin!

[@hovermaster939]

Powerfully presented. Strong work!

[@erikmoller2802]

I can just sit and listen to this over and over and cry....

[@MyTroubadour]

Magnifique interprétation de ce chef d'oeuvre.

[@samuelschiel9235]

Always when I listen to that song Phil Taylor comes to my mind.

[@alcd6333]

Great performance of a phenomenal piece by the best American composer of the 20th century.

[@Strettger]

I suspect he may have taken offence at being called that. He saw himself as human, for the common man as it were, not American.

[@rayzhang5551]

How many famous/well-known American Composers are there? ;)

[@alcd6333]

To name just a few: Leonard Bernstein, Duke Ellington, George & Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Glenn Miller, Samuel Barber, and Benny Goodman. There are many others with numerous genres of music.Ray Zhang

[@rayzhang5551]

Al Cd Most of them are jazz composers. True, Jazz is important, but it's just much more different than classical. 2nd, America really hasn't had any composers outside the 20th century. They popularized Jazz so that they could have more composers. 3rd, think of all the composers in Europe we still remember after hundreds of years: Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, etc....

[@Just_A_Dude]

+Ray Zhang The only real place to find good orchestral music in the 20th century is in film scores, and most of those composers are American, or have done their best work on American projects. John Williams, Hans Zimmer, and Danny Elfman all pop to mind immediately. Ennio Morricone's name lags a few moments behind only because I keep wanting to call him Enrico.

[@mikeyoung9810]

Emerson Lake and Palmer have a version of this I always loved. This band does a great job with it.

[@adissabovic]

This is magnificent. Bravo! 👏👏

[@turnandburn3832]

Absolutely awesome!