I read a while ago that when Peter Ostroushko was asked to write a composition called Heart of the Heartland, he said something like - if I were to describe what is the heart of the heartland, it would be mashed potatoes and gravy. :) He had a serious stroke last year and has lost the use of his left arm. There's an active Gofundme to help with his very expensive rehab. You can google the link. If you love his music, please consider helping him out a little. It's the least we can do to repay his gift of beautiful music.
Shortly after my sisters death in 2005 Peter was gracious enough to put on a benefit concert in her memory. This song sent me into a river of tears, I had to get up and walk out. This man is someone that I have always looked up to, and I can honestly say that I am extremely proud to bare my uncles name.
So sad to hear that he died today. A giant of a musician!!! I have so many wonderful memories of listening to him on many 'Prairie Home Companion' radio shows (which I also miss!).
My Dearest Wife, I am writing to inform you that after what seemed an eternity, through many dangers, perils, and splendid wonders, our party has finally reached the Pacific Ocean. O, how I wish you could see the magnificent splendor of the vastness we have traversed. We encountered wonderful animals, many of which we are the first of our countrymen to behold. We met all sorts of tribes of native people, most friendly, yet I contend that the people called the Sioux tribes, were the most peculiar, and forboding race I have ever laid my eyes on. I long to see you. Kiss the girls for me, and know that we have lost not one of our party, save Sgt Floyd, who died of the collic. I shall see you again when we return. We have decided to make our winter camp away from the Coast, and with the plentiful food in this region, rest easy knowing we are well fed and will keep warm. Your most affectionate husband, Sgt "fill in the blank". This is not an actual letter(i ad-libbed it) but just read it while listening to the music, and see if you dont imagine this being yourself.
I have lived all my life just a few miles from Fort Mandan where the company spent the winter of 1804-1805. I farm next to the Missouri River where they made the hard journey going upstream for all those miles and will never, ever comprehend how they were able to accomplish that feat.
The soundtrack to Ken Burns - The Corps of Discovery (Lewis & Clark) is possibly the only thing I've ever seen my dad order off of television. It really left an impression on me, and now I'm listening to it as I study engineering at the age of 28, 20 years later.
I wish that PBS would run the Lewis and Clark doc again. I’ve just finished the Ken Burns National Parks opus and enjoyed Peter Ostroushko’s music on that series very much.
American Buffalo - Ken Burns on PBS Just finished the 4 hrs of that one - another triumph! And 2 tunes on the soundtrack that is available are again from Peter.
they did a great job with this back in the day. I remember having to watch this in High School for extra credit, and when part 1 was over I could not not wait to watch the 2nd part. Great musical score
"It is with extreme pain I have to inform you of the death of His Excellency Meriwether Lewis, Governor of upper Louisiana who died on the morning of the 11th Instant and I am Sorry to Say by Suicide."
