Blog Assignment #2

I appreciate the musical abilities of both Louis Moreau Gottschalk and the performers in the group South City Voices but I do prefer the performance of the Star Spangled Banner by South City Voices over the performance by Gottschalk. As someone who has sang in numerous choirs and groups over many years, I know how difficult it can be to blend voices effectively, especially when when the notes are very close together. The tension of the chords could be trying to convey the war and the “bombs bursting”. The Gottschalk version is enjoyable but I personally enjoy the effect of hearing the words. The words give the music life and meaning. As far as the Stravinsky version, I could hear the variation in the harmonies due to my musical experience and I liked it. I have heard the Hendricks version before and although it is very different from the original; I think it is well done. I do not think that doing a different version of the Star Spangled Banner is offensive. Musician should be able to take artistic liberties but they should be tasteful and respectful. I do understand that some people may be offended because it is not the traditional norm but as long as the musician is trying their best, I think they should be able to do what they are being led to do.