We played this at my Mum's funeral 7 years ago. We were two recorders and a lyre. we also played Llwyn Onn (The Ash Grove). Both pieces are very beautiful.
Every single note of beauty , drawn from the hearts of inspired musicians , will ring , in the Halls of Heaven , where they belong , for the ears of The Creator ,to enjoy . I will be going home soon ,and cant wait to hear all this beauty there , God Bless the Inspired of God . ❤❤❤❤❤
It amazes me how many ppl still ask for this when I play at Civil War events and sometimes for other unrelated gigs. At the former, someone will ask… “do you know that tune/song that…” and even w/o finishing that sentence… they mean AF, every time. It’s timeless, no matter why or when written, that should be in every violinist/fiddler’s rep. Sure I tell them the author and story being it, but at this point… it’s firmly in place as a Civil War ballad. I’ll play it anytime. ☺️🎻🎶
@@fiddlemusik I went to pub in London once (with a study-abroad group), where there was a trio of guys playing Irish waltzes and jigs. I asked if they knew how to play “Margaret’s Waltz” and they did. My professor-a very sweet, elderly gentleman-took me by the hand and led me nearer to where the musicians were playing. I thought he just wanted me to be able to hear the music better, but to my surprise, he danced with me. It’s still among my fondest memories. 🎻🎶
@@cherilynne1946 aww... that is absolutely a precious memory! Thanks for sharing! It is really a lovely waltz... and his generation still knew how to dance those! 🥰
I followed the Ken Burns series on TV and in due time bought the box set. BUT I discovered that this ballad was not as old as it sounds BUT was composed for the doc. No harm done.
It does not occur but for moments in our lives when a song is not defined by each of us in our own way...but rather we are shown what the tune should - and does - mean...Ashokan is such a song.
We've been using this video for 10 years as an example for my orchestra students to see how the very best chamber musicians play. Cueing to phrasing to matching bow energy/style - every skill is displayed beautifully. Thank you for sharing this with us! I owe you 10 years of thanks.
Remarkable when you realize that we are used to hearing that with an orchestra and they are doing it with a handful of string players, a flute, an oboe/clarinet a bassonist (who they won't let sit down) and a Piano.....AND NO ONE is DIRECTING!
In April of 2024, I will be 77 years of age and although I have recorded in writing a lot of things that I would like to have shared with my friends, I want this played at my funeral when the time comes. It’s so beautiful.
What moves me about Jay Unger is, although he has tremendous command, his playing isn't about virtuosity--look at how good I am. His playing is about depth. Where does this song reside? He conveys where the song is coming from and introduces the listeners to that place within themselves. Excuse me for being sappy, but the beauty in the music is undeniable.
Just look in the eyes and the body movements of the other musicians who are stood there just listening and appreciating fantastic music and artists.Says everything about this piece of music.
I think of my dad when I hear this song, he was from the south. I also think of my mom, she really loved this song. My niece played it at her funeral. 😢💔