National Anthem etiquette

[Chas]

Since the original question has been answered authoritatively and in great detail, here's something new.
It's my opinion that Americans sing (and play) the "Star-Spangled Banner" much too slowly. Somewhere between 120-132 bpm seems much more fitting, to me at least, than the usual 100 (or less) bpm. Does the same hold true for other anthems the world around?

It is not my national anthem and I really should not get upset, but I do. Every time I hear a 'star', singing the anthem like a dirge, adding all the extra notes and flourishes, torturing the poor song and beating it to death, I ask myself this - If they hate the National Anthem so much, why do they agree to sing it in public?

Sorry, if this has offended, but The Star Spangled Banner is a great song - a great song to sing and I hate to hear it mangled.

[cessna152towser]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6_gng06qHU
Interesting video of people stood to attention, and at least two holding a salute throughout, during the rendering of The Star Spangled Banner at this year's North Berwick Highland Games.

[sydnie7]

It is not my national anthem and I really should not get upset, but I do. Every time I hear a 'star', singing the anthem like a dirge, adding all the extra notes and flourishes, torturing the poor song and beating it to death, I ask myself this - If they hate the National Anthem so much, why do they agree to sing it in public?

Sorry, if this has offended, but The Star Spangled Banner is a great song - a great song to sing and I hate to hear it mangled.

Something that Bob and I comment on during the preliminary ceremonies for nearly every televised sporting event we watch. It's not a torch song, it's not an opportunity to show off your "song styling," it's the anthem and should be sung as written!

dbh, we've made similar comments about recent renditions of "God Bless America" sung at "dirge speed" in the course of baseball games. Would sound so much better given a lively, positive approach vs. the funereal presentation that seems to be today's norm.

Ah well, if the world were only run the way we would have it be. . . LOL

[sydnie7]

Random memory: many years ago, one of my favorite singers (Ian Tyson, a Canadian) performed both the Canadian and U.S. anthems for the Stanley Cup opening ceremonies. One of the TV sports commentators chose to poke fun at the fact that Tyson obviously had the words of the Star Spangled Banner inside his doffed cowboy hat and was checking them as he sang. I thought it showed respect and preparation, in contrast to some U.S. singers I've heard botch the words!

[Phil]

Is it just me or are most "national anthems" pretty much like dirges? I am not trying to be dismissive but "God save the Queen" has to be the most boring tune around followed closely by most others.

[Chas]

Is it just me or are most "national anthems" pretty much like dirges? I am not trying to be dismissive but "God save the Queen" has to be the most boring tune around followed closely by most others.

No, Phil, it is just you.

[McClef]

The tune is a very popular one Phil - it is even sung in the USA using different words.

[Macman]

I'm with you there, piperdbh. I prefer the anthem at a faster tempo than I usually hear it. The same thing often happens with "O Canada"; many singers sing it what I consider to be too slowly.

[John_Carrick]

I tend to agree with Phil about "God Save the Queen" but there is beautiful arrangement of the first two verses by Benjamin Britten (as sung at The Last Night of the Proms) which really takes it to a different dimension.