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From: ken@ihuxq.UUCP (ken perlow)
Newsgroups: net.politics
Subject: re: Star Spangled Banner
Message-ID: <455@ihuxq.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 3-Jan-84 18:13:11 EST
Article-I.D.: ihuxq.455
Posted: Tue Jan  3 18:13:11 1984
Date-Received: Wed, 4-Jan-84 05:02:53 EST
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL
Lines: 32

The music to which the Star Spangled Banner was set is 
"Ode to Anachreon", an English drinking song.  The original
is a bit easier to sing, as it avoids that horrible step-and-a-half
(the interval that occurs at the word "early" in SSB), preferring
the natural fourth tone.  It is also a lot less lumpy--none of that
dotted eighth & 16th rhythm (the meter of "by the dawn's").
Of course, the tune is a lot easier to sing when you're drunk.

The US had no national anthem until the 1930's, when an entire
8th grade class (nation-wide!) was called on, as "the future of
the country", to select one.  I don't know how many choices they
had, but "America" was one that lost.  I have an aunt who participated
in that selection.  She herself picked SSB, and has regretted doing
so as long as I can remember.  Rightly.

Before SSB became the national anthem, the tune was matched to
all sorts of lyrics.  It was especially popular with the Temperance
movement (or whatever those Carrie Nation folks called themselves),
perhaps because it had been a paean to alcohol.

Anyone really interested in the proto-SSB should be able to find
words and music at most any college or even public library.  I have
had sheet music to "Ode to Anachreon" and played it, but it has
long since disappeared. (It's like they say, "three moves is as good
as a fire.")  So good luck & good hunting.
-- 
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