Sunday, May 24, 2020

John Williams - Hymn To The Fallen

This weekend is Memorial Day - not Thank A Veteran Day.  It used to be called Decoration Day, when people would go and decorate the graves of the fallen with flowers.  It is a day set aside for those who gave that last measure of sacrifice.

I am frequently quite harsh in my opinion of Hollywood, but every now and again something remarkable emerges from that Gomorrah.  Saving Private Ryan was such a film, one that is perfect for this weekend of remembrance.

John Williams wrote a remarkable score for the film, and this finale to the soundtrack perfectly captures the mood of the survivors, looking back.  Ave atque vale.

5 comments:

Glen Filthie said...

That's a beautiful piece of music BP. To me it evokes both sorrow and respect so well.

I read not too long ago that they were exhuming the remains of some civil war general because his grave site offended The Usual Suspects. I'm not even American and it made me mad enough to want to start shooting. I hope it was just fake news.

I wonder if this tune won't become synonymous with a fallen America soon?

Borepatch said...

Glen, "combines sorrow and respect" is a perfect description.

I sure hope that the End Times are not upon us.

Roy said...

It is not fake news, Glen.

The civil war general is Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forest. His remains are going to be removed from a park in Memphis to another location.

Old NFO said...

Beautiful tribute!

libertyman said...

What an amazing composition, Mr. Williams is an extraordinary composer.