The Star-Spangled Banner (optional sing-along) – Piano Improvisation by Charles Manning

“The Star-Spangled Banner” is the national anthem of the United States of America. The music for the anthem was composed by John Stafford Smith (c. 1773), and the lyrics are from the poem “Defence of Fort McHenry” by Francis Scott Key. In 1814, after the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812, Key witnessed the U.S. flag with 15 stars and 15 stripes flying above the fort during the U.S. victory. This dramatic scene inspired Key to write the poem the following day. The tune for “The Star-Spangled Banner” was a popular British melody by John Stafford Smith. Written as the official song of the Anacreontic Society, an 18th century gentlemen’s club comprised of London amateur musicians, the tune was called “To Anacreon in Heaven.” When the music was set to Key’s poem, the setting was renamed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Gaining popularity throughout the 19th century, “The Star-Spangled Banner” officially became the U.S. national anthem by a congressional resolution signed by President Herbert Hoover in 1931. Known as the Star-Spangled Banner, the original Fort McHenry flag was made by Mary Young Pickersgill of Baltimore. Having been restored in 1914 and again in 1998, the flag is now on display in the National Museum of American History of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Due to the extended vocal range of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the song is known for its singing difficulties. Pianist Charles Manning challenges the idea with an invitation to sing along with his improvised piano accompaniment of the first verse of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The lyrics are printed below. During this holiday celebration, may singing patriotism take precedence over vocal range! Have a Spectacular Fourth of July!! ~ Lyrics ~ Oh say can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.