Just wanted to note how much I like the Chinese arrangement of the US National Anthem. I've been watching a fair amount of Olympics as I take breaks from my obsessive study of Morse Code in an attempt to pass the evil FCC telegraphy exams. (If at this point you are asking: Why do they still test people on Morse Code? Isn't it essentially dead as a communication method? The answers are "I have no idea." and "Yes." ) I always try to be cynical about the Olympics each time they come around, as is expected of me, but once I start watching I can't help it. This applies I think to my admitted love for watching people who are the best at what they do accomplish amazing things. Perhaps it stems from my own inability to really focus on any one thing in that way. In any case, I've been watching it quite a bit, and not just for the Beach volleyball (which no one has to apologize for, though I am disturbed by the unfortunate double standard on skin for women and non-traditional male viewers).
Quite a few US Gold medal ceremonies and so a lot of opportunities to hear The Star Spangled Banner, which normally is not a cause for musical rejoicing, but the Chinese arrangement is really nice. It hits all the important aspects but also dials up the bombast quite a bit with a lot of moving low brass parts and really cool counterpoint and perfect tempo. So if you're still cynical even with the Olympics here, the Beach Volleyball and the music makes it worth a quick look at least.
Posted by ktismael at August 15, 2008 2:05 AM