Ashokan Farewell (from "The Civil War," a Film by Ken Burns): SATB Choral Octavo
From the Soundtrack of the PBS Series "The Civil War," a Film by Ken Burns
Words by Grian McGregor, music by Jay Ungar / arr. Carole Stephens
Item: 00-PO-0003075
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Almost everyone recognizes the superb melody of Jay Ungar's 'Ashokan Farewell' that was featured so prominently in Ken Burns' television film 'The Civil War'. Now, finally, a choral setting comes alive with lyrics that skillfully paint a beautiful picture of Americana. This is music that will warm the hearts of choirs and audiences everywhere!
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Pop Choral Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
12
SKU:
00-PO-0003075
More about this title
About the Composer: Jay Ungar
Jay Ungar is an American composer and fiddle player whose work bridges classical tradition and American folk music. His compositions have reached millions through film and television, most notably through Ken Burns' acclaimed documentaries, where his melodies have become synonymous with American history and culture.
Why we love this
Carole Stephens' arrangement honors the iconic melody while adding thoughtful text that deepens the emotional resonance of this piece. The SATB voicing is accessible without sacrificing sophistication, making it a natural choice for mixed choirs seeking repertoire with genuine cultural weight and immediate audience recognition.
What to expect
The piece unfolds with the gentle melancholy of a folk melody, evoking the landscape and sentiment of 19th-century America. Stephens' arrangement wraps that familiar tune in rich harmonic support that feels both historical and timeless, creating a reflective space where every voice contributes to a unified emotional statement.
Who it's for
This octavo works for intermediate to advanced SATB choirs with basic blend and intonation skills. It appeals equally to community choirs, church choirs, and high school ensembles seeking meaningful secular material that connects with audiences.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the melody across voice parts carefully; the tune often moves between soprano and alto lines, so maintain phrase continuity and prevent any section from dominating.
- Lean into the Americana character by keeping the texture warm and unforced; this piece benefits from legit singing rather than theatrical delivery.
- Use the recorded accompaniment as a rehearsal aid to lock ensemble timings, but explore unaccompanied passages in your sectionals to build blend and intonation confidence.
- Shape the lyrics with intention to their narrative content; Stephens' text strengthens emotional arcs that should guide your dynamic and tempo choices.
How to use it
Program this as an anchor for concerts exploring American history, culture, or identity; it pairs naturally with other folk-based repertoire or as a bridge between classical and pop programming. Its recognition factor makes it ideal for community concerts or events where you want immediate emotional connection with a general audience.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining legit tone across dynamic ranges
- Tracking melody movement between voice parts
- Blending SATB lines in slower harmonic textures
- Interpreting text to shape musical phrasing
- Reading and singing in moderate ranges appropriate to folk idiom