4th of July Classical Music to Get You in the Mood for the Holiday
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Looking for the perfect classical music to set the mood for your 4th of July celebrations? Look no further – we’ve got you covered! From patriotic anthems to beautiful ballads, these pieces will have you feeling all the feels this holiday.
“The Star-Spangled Banner” by John Stafford Smith
John Stafford Smith’s “The Star-Spangled Banner” is one of the most well-known pieces of classical music in the United States. The song was written in 1814, and it has been used as the national anthem of the United States since 1931. “The Star-Spangled Banner” is a patriotic song that celebrates the United States’ Independence Day. The song has been performed by many classical musicians, including opera singer Renee Fleming, violinist Joshua Bell, and pianist Lang Lang.
“The Liberty Bell” by John Philip Sousa
John Philip Sousa was an American composer and conductor of the late Romantic era, known primarily for American military and patriotic marches. He is popularly known as “The March King” or the “American March King”, due to his mastery of the march form and vast catalogue of original compositions. Among his best-known works are “The Liberty Bell”, “The Thunderer”, and “Stars and Stripes Forever”.
“Yankee Doodle” by George M. Cohan
George M. Cohan was an American composer, lyricist, playwright, and actor, known for hisLin-Manuel Miranda-like ability to churn out patriotic songs and show tunes. He wrote the well-known songs “Over There” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” and his musical George Washington, Jr. includes the song “The Yankee Doodle Boy.” This arrangement for piano by Edwin McLean is patriotic and perfect for 4th of July celebrations.
“God Bless America” by Irving Berlin
One of the most patriotic songs ever written, “God Bless America” was composed by Irving Berlin in 1918. The song became especially popular during World War II and has remained a staple of 4th of July celebrations ever since.
“America the Beautiful” by Samuel A. Ward
“America the Beautiful” is a patriotic song written by Katharine Lee Bates and Samuel A. Ward. The lyrics were originally published in The Congregationalist on July 4, 1895. The melody of “America the Beautiful” comes from “Materna”, a tune composed by Samuel Ward in 1882.
The song is often sung at Fourth of July celebrations, patriotic events, and other occasions such as the funeral of President Ronald Reagan in 2004.
