Ashokan Farewell, performed by Jessica McAllister
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2015
- Welcome to my new UA-cam channel!
Jessica is top-ranked event violinist based out of Utah. She performs for weddings, receptions, formal dinners, funerals, etc. Please visit the link below for more information:
www.jessicamcallister.com
Sheet Music: musescore.com/user/1622236/sc...
Shot and edited by Big Iris Productions
Website: www.bigirisproductions.com/
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UA-cam: / @bigirisproductions
Music: Ashokan Farewell
Composer: Jay Ungar
Performer: Jessica McAllister
Funny how a song written in 1982 in the style of a Scottish lament could become the identifying theme music for Burns' magnificent Civil War series. The melody is haunting and bittersweet, provoking an emotional response from the listener. The mystical quality of music.
Scotland and Appalachia have a lot in common, including the mountain range.
You remind me of my mom when she played this on her violin, I cried when I first heard it, even now it chokes me up. You brought me back to those good times thank you Jessica. ❤
This is forever a favorite of mine. It's bittersweet, heartbreaking, joyful, sad, hopeful... It reminds me of days older than me and memories I never had. It fills me with dreams of my future and makes me wonder what they'll look like. Mostly, it makes me desperate for the morning so I can dig my violin out and give it some much needed attention.
I understand completely! Music is amazing like that, isn't it! And no time like today for your violin! I always tell my students - the hardest part is getting it out of the case to practice. Once you start, it's not so daunting! Even if it's just 15 minutes a day, you'll feel so great having done it!
I've loved this tune since I saw the documentary and I've heard many versions, but none as beautiful as yours. I weep every time I listen to it. How is it humanely possible to create such beauty?
All my best and ❤️❤️❤️ all the way from Denmark.
I've heard dozens of violinists play this piece but never more beautifully. Thank you!
How sweet are you?! Thank you SO much!
Yeah, I agree, except for once when a street musician (busker) in Seattle whipped out an incredibly impactfull rendition when I asked her if she knew it... people had tears in their eyes before she was done. I was in if them. I left her my last five dollars.
I wonder...
Thank you sincerely for a most delicate rendition of this thoroughly comprehensive expression of remembrance, or a depiction of a way of life that was almost forgotten in our near constantly inter-connective-ness.
Your most impressive interpretation and violin skills have perhaps also allowed other listeners to be more thoroughly immersed in Jay Ungar’s endearing piece.
@@timothymccarthy7048
What a gracious reply. I agree 100 percent. Cheers!
Though this song was only wrote some 40 years ago, if one listens to any version and concentrates hard enough one can almost hear the sound of distant cannon and musket fire. The jingle of horses hardware, and the marching of troops. Such a haunting and sorrowful melody.
This was a beautifully written comment! 🥰
its not an out of date song! its just the song for round 2!!! >:)
That's a bloody joke : this piece of music has nothing to do with the Civil War of the USA in 1861-65. Or any war.
Originally ... this was written like a romantic scottish lament or complain, in 1982 in New York.
I think what the commenter is referring to is that this piece transports them there. That's what music is all about, after all. While a contemporary composition, it's an old soul. ❤️
@@jeansentrais9866 the award for reading my comment but lacking the comprehensive skills to understand it and still replying to it making a blundering fool of yourself goes to you buddy……………..
As a Scot, I can tell you it rings true in my heart, it is a line of smoke that stretches from dark and long since abandoned crofts across the endless ocean to deep into the green of Appalachia
Unger apparently wrote this after a visit to the north west highlands of Scotland, and I have to say, as a Scot, it hits home big time. A beautiful piece. A Scottish Lament, written by a Jewish guy from the Bronx, as he described it. And he nailed it.
This Ashokan Farewell is very classical and beautiful!
I have wept for men who died for in the American civil war over a 150 years ago. And I am not even an American. The documentary and this track captures the tragedy of the time and how monumental that war was for humanity. And that letter from Sullivan Ballou! Oh my gosh! ❤❤❤😢😢😢
To truly understand what it means to be American, one must understand the War
@@ernesthill4017 - What must one conclude about the supporters of the confederacy? Was it a war of patriotism, a war to defend states rights, war for love of their beloved states (Lee for Virginia) or to defend their way of life (aka right to preserve slavery in the south)? I am sure southern soldiers fought for a myriad of reasons and not one. I am not being snarky. Just trying to understand truly. As you would imagine, there is precious sympathy for those who wanted to continue slavery. I am from India. We were a colony of the British empire which I find abhorrent. Slavery as a policy is therefore deplorable in my mind. I have tried to find sympathy for the soldiers of the confederacy as well who were fighting for the leaders of the confederacy and the rich slaveholders (who I am sure did not send their own sons to die).
@@anakinskywalkerii4350 well, if I may be a bit snarky... It's complicated.And it ISN'T.
But, yeah, all of the points that you raised are worthy of consideration. The one thing that I do not accept is the officers who broke their oaths to preserve, protect and defend the constitution- even R.E. Lee- they were traitors, oath breakers, dishonest and absolutely untrustworthy (after breaking an oath that they swore, hand on the Bible that they claimed to hold sacred).
VERY FEW Confederate officers did not try to disingenuously justify their willingness to swear on their honor, and then abandon those paths and that 'honor'. The few that admitted that they had changed their minds about what honor was were at east willing to admit that they were liars and craven untrustworthy despicable dishonest un-American treasonous rebels. There are NO GRAY AREAS for people that held their honor as sacred, and then abandoned it for the ultimate cause of white supremacy. (It is absurd to think that the Civil War was about anything else than that! ...Just read the Confederate Constitutional convention, the Confederate state constitutions, Speeches by Jefferson Davis, the Confederate electoral platform, etc, etc, etc... and how they ALL say that there is a self evident truth, under GOD, that the natural state of the Negro is to be subservient to the Superior White Man. (Funny how women, white or otherwise, aren't mentioned, eh?)
@@anakinskywalkerii4350
It is not complicated. (Though I can see how, even a hundred and sixty years later, the lies and racist crap still are able to confuse what is, really, a really simple thing- the secessionist leaders in the south were EVIL. (If evil exists, if not, then they were merely despicable deplorable hateful horrible people...)
From the Confederate Constitution: "It's foundations are laid, it's cornerstone rests, in the great truth that the Negro is NOT equal to the White Man."
Pretty simple, eh? (And then there is Robert E Lee, and all of the other officers that put their hands on a Bible that they believed in and swore to pee, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and, as soon as it became apparent that holding to their oaths would mean giving up their slaves, broke those most sacred of oaths and went to war to continue their ability to 'wring their bread from the sweat of other men's faces: (keep their slaves!)
Yeah, what a bunch of honorable men. (Despicable, dishonest, oath breaking, untrustworthy, violent, treasonous rebels... Pieces of shit, frankly
Sullivan Ballou would let you accompany his last letter anytime.
"The Civil War was fought in 10,000 places..."
Well... except that this lovely lament, composed by Jay Ungar, has absolutely Zero to do with the American Civil War... or Any war. It was written in the early 1970, and was merely chosen by Ken Burns as a recurring theme in his series in the late '80s. 🙄
@@conradinhawaii7856 so what? It is a beautiful piece that evokes the time very well. He uses period music as well and this fits in perfectly.
Ken burns best narrator I've ever heard
@@JohnAnglin-lh7bs😂
This piece was ideal... and perfect... for Ken Burns' The Civil War.
Hauntingly beautiful and almost beyond words. Jessica's playing of Jay Ungar's classic, The Ashokan Farewell, touches not just the heart but the very soul. Very best wishes, Jessica, from the west coast of Ireland.
Thank you so much, Michael! Your comment means the world to me :)
Absolutely beautiful
A beautiful musical piece and very well played.
It was my husband's favorite.
Our daughter, Adeline played it at his burial on the cemetery.
Thank you! I know that music can be a great comfort during rough times. I hope it helped bring you peace!
As an old Irishman, I can tell ya lassy, that was fine playin. Jessica you are amazing, and I’m glad to have found out about your channel.
Thanks, Don! I'm glad you found it, too :)
Women are the best fiddle players. Gentler on the strings I guess.
Hahaha! I guess so!
@@tedc7714 Gentler on the eyes too...😉
@@sherp2u1 Creepy little twat.
Your music is heartbreaking. I cannot imagine a more beautiful or wondrous use of a violin. Thank you.
Thank you very much! I am so thrilled that you enjoyed it :)
This brought tears to my eyes ... I have a family friend who played this as my sister walked up the aisle for her wedding. I wanted to hear it again before I planned the same thing for my own wedding in a year. Absolutely beautiful job!
+Bailey Sucha -- Thank you for your sweet comment! It really is a beautiful piece of music and a wonderful choice for processional :) Best of luck at your wedding!
Bailey Sucha she plays at weddings, may be you're close. She is a wonderful violinist
+Bailey Sucha, it's true-- I do play at weddings! I didn't want to step on anyone's toes in case you already had a violinist lined up, but if you're in the state of Utah, please feel free to contact me for a quote if you're interested. :) My website is jessicamcallister.com
@@firststringviolinist I have just come across your video you played great
I hope you are happily married now
one of the best versions I ever heard ,violin sounds great.[goose bumps] I started playing the violin because of this song.thank you for sharing!!!!
Thank you so much! I hope your lessons are going well, too :) The violin can be one of the most mesmerizing and inspirational instruments out there, so keep up the hard work!
Better than Jay Unger. Sitting down now to learn it.
Why thank you! What a compliment! I wish you the best of luck. I know you'll do great :)
Sorry for the delay in responding... YT makes finding approved comments in reply threads almost impossible to find! I had to manually scroll and look for it 🤣
The playing is going well! Just got back from the studio, in fact. I'll be working with a new cinematographer in the coming months to launch a new (professional quality) video! I'm so excited! Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss it ♥️
What is the sound of beauty and sweet sorrow...this right here...I would think Mr. Ungar would be proud
Thank you so very much! I like to think so, too 🥰
Absolutely beautiful
I'm not crying, YOU'RE CRYING!!
Beautiful - I shed tears
you have angels in your violin !!!!!!!
I believe this is the most beautiful performance of this piece I've heard.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate that :) And thank you for taking the time to comment. It made my day!
Well, I'm glad it did:).
Maybe this is just me, but I find many musicians don't quite capture the emotions in the piece, and in some performances the double stops were harsh, the grace notes stilted. Yours is completely natural, capturing every emotion Jay Ungar intended.
You are so sweet! Thank you! I'm always cussing my double stops, so I really appreciate that compliment! I think a common issue for a lot of musicians (myself included often enough) is that they try SO hard to make everything flawless that they end up forcing the music out and forfeiting the emotion. I'm beyond grateful that it was able to shine through in this recording! :)
Yes, double stops are the bane of my existence haha. And yes, it is too easy to force a piece out, especially if the performer is nervous. For me, I worry incessantly about my tone and intonation, which ironically causes it to sound poorly.
You're not alone! The violin is SO difficult to get just right. . . and some days, it royally kicks my trash. . . even after playing for 20 years. hahaha! How long have you been playing?
This was played with such beautiful talent! You have such an ear for pitch! I loved listening to you play! The video was also very artistic and beautiful! Thanks for posting!
Others playing it: *Beautiful sound*
Me playing it: *screech screech*
Hahahaha! In my experience, violinists are very hard on themselves. It's probably MUCH prettier than you think! Keep practicing and don't give up!
And like I always tell my violin students - HAVE FUN. Don't overthink it. Let the music move through you instead of trying to force it. It might not be perfect, but that will come in time. 👍
The little girl running in the video , remindes me of my daughter,when she was very.young . Tears of love saying she is God's gift to us ..always..
Thank you for your sweet comment! The little girl in my video is my daughter and I love getting to look back on when she was such a fun age! Kids really are special, aren't they?! ♥️
From the first notes i was in tears, and i am musician for long time (pianist).
That deepness and genuinely in the play have pierced everything in my soul !
Thank you for that performance
🙏
Listening to you playing this tune, I close my eyes... First you transport me to this tragic civil war where so many human being were lost.. Then you make me remember many memories of my childhood in Africa, best and the worst. That bring me tears to my eyes.
You play it so well Jessica!!! This the best violin version I ve ever heard, played with so much soul. Thank you very much!!! Grating from Belgium
Thank you so much! Music can definitely take us places, can't it! It's unlike anything else. I'm so happy to enjoyed my version! And it means a lot to me that you took the time to comment. It made my evening! ❤️
I just want to know how you play this without tears in your eyes? Beautiful!
I normally don't! HAHAHA! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment :) I'm so glad you enjoyed the video!
During spring concerts we would play this song for our seniors. It hits you differently when you’re walking across the stage and not the one playing it
I couldn't agree more! It's such a beautiful piece with a lot of hidden depth and emotion. :) It's one of those pieces that can touch your heart in different ways depending on what's going on in your life when you hear it.
such an evocative tune, and beautifully played. thanks for posting!
Beautiful
You know I attended Washington and Lee University for a year back in 1997/1998. If ever there a song that could capture the tragic loss of so many men, in the war for Southern independence, and if ever there was a performance of the saddest song in the whole world, this is it. It's really kind of saved me from lesser songs, and I'm grateful.
What an honor! Thank you so much ❤️ It's definitely one of those pieces that has huge potential for a raw emotional impact on listeners (and performers). I'm beyond thrilled that I was able to portray that in my video. Thanks again! Wishing you all the best!
@@firststringviolinist Well, we love you, Ms. Jessica McAllister. Not, perhaps as a distraction from better things said by better men, by thought by better men but . . . .
thank you again Ma'am. Please continue to share the wonderful music. Thank you.
Not ashamed to say..your version brought me to tears ..thank you!
I'm so glad you liked it 😍
so beutifull brings tears to my eyes
My god mamm , those double stops reach all the way to my soul. With love from Texas.
Hahaha! Randall, your comment made me laugh out loud! 😂 I'm so glad they touched your soul in a good way, 'cause Heaven knows that there are plenty of double stops that have the opposite reaction 😜
this is really fantastic. A lot of players, including some famous ones, have covered this song. You're the first player that I think has truly done it justice. If I didn't know it, I'd think it was Jay Ungar himself. Cant wait to hear more.
+Jackson Smith - What a sweet comment! It really made my day. I hope to record Jay and Molly's "Lover's Waltz" when I'm at the studio again later this year. I'll be sure to upload it (one way or another) so you can hear it! Thanks again for your thoughtful comment!
Jessica McAllister
6
It is so beautiful Jessica that it made me cry. Made me homesick in my own home. Awesome Job!
I just love this music,thank you
When I played cowgirls with my best friend as kids, I named my persona your name, spelled differently. I was a viola player. I still have it. I sing.
Beautiful song, fantastic playing. Really enjoyed this, great job. Thank you for sharing your talent with us all.
One of my top 3 favorite songs of all time across all genres done tremendously well. Thanks for making me cry 😂
You're welcome... I think! 😜 hahaha!
There are many versions of this great music, however, this is easily the best.
Awww - what a sweet comment! It totally made my night ☺️ I'm so glad you like it!
Absolutely brilliant. So glad there's still people taking the time, and passion, to play such works.
Thank you so very much! ♥️ I'm thrilled you enjoyed it!
The most beautiful song I've EVER HEARD!!!!!!
Haunting, lovely, beautifully played…
I've listened to this song more times than I can even imagine. It gets better and better every time I hear it. Thank you so much for sharing!!
That's excellent news! I'm glad it's getting better and better instead of the opposite 😜
Ashokan Farewell, and performers like you, are informing and inspiring a new generation of musicians. Thank you so much. I've just started playing, and I'm 61.
Yaaaaay! I love that so much 😍❤️🙌
I never tire of listening to this song. Well done. Thank you.
I couldn't agree more! Haha! Thanks for the kind comment 🥰
Thank you Jessica. This is honestly one of the best recordings and videos of "Ashokan Farewell" that I have found. Sorry that it took me seven years to find it.
On an amusing note: My violin teacher and I sometimes joke about when the first tune that our students (or perhaps their pesky pushy parents) want to play is "Ashokan Farewell".
Well, that is all understandable, and possible, but first we shall begin with the virtuoso masterpiece: "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".
OMG! Just Look, Grandpa! Our grandson is suddenly playing Mozart!
Mission Accomplished. ;-)
Why, thank you! I once had a student request that I teach her "Schindler's List" and I *gasped* a little inside. That's another one of those pieces that looks one way on paper and entirely different once you start trying to play it. 🤣
And, yes! I warn my beginners that they (and their families) will have Twinkle Twinkle stuck in their heads for a looooong time.
just returned from a 4 day bluegrass festival in Norway. last jam-session ended sunday morning at 06.15 AM. This version of Ashokan farewell fully covers the feeling in the soul by the departure from the festival grounds.
Awww! Thank you so much! I'm glad to hear that 🥰
I find that this is the best version I have heard. Thank you, Jessica,.
Awww! I love that! Thank you so very much! 💗
Brings more than one tear to my eye let me tell you
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it :)
stumbled on this by accident, but have returned over and over again. How Jessica McAllister is not inter nationally famous is a mystery to me. Absolutely stunning performance .
Hey, thanks David! You're welcome back as often as you'd like, and thank you for taking the time to comment :) P.S. I hope you enjoy the MP3 tracks!!
Notes played so clearly and with super, rich tone. Outstanding rendition of this now famous lament. TY!!
Thank you, Pat! Your comment made my night! I'm so glad you enjoyed it ♥️
R.I.P Sullivan Ballou
for Enlightenment, i don't need any meditation or worshipping of any god , just sit in my wheelchair and play this piece of yours 😇🎧🎻 thank you so much 🙏 lots of love and respect from India 🙏🇮🇳
I'm just a student violinist (but a senior). You are my new benchmark for the perfect vibrato. Ashoken Farewell is an absolute favorite and I love the way both Jay and his daughter Ruth play it. But this version is in a world of its own. What an absolutely beautiful interpretation. I will study this video extensively in the next weeks. What a wonderful relaxed wrist you have and what a marvelous vibrato the motion of it produces. I'm so glad to have found this video. I subscribed too.
Golly - I feel so fancy now! Hahaha! Thank you for your sweet comments! I'm so happy you subscribed, as well. I wish you the best of luck as you find what works best for your playing style. And, hey, don't forget to have fun and enjoy yourself! Sometimes we musicians strive for perfection at the expense of feeling the "soul" of the piece. Let it speak TO you so it can speak THROUGH you 👍 You're going to do great!
Very well done always love hearing this song
This video seems like a distillation of all that is good and noble in Humanity - Thank You, Jessica McAllister. I watch this regularly and am always deeply moved.. The Ashokan Farewell was played at my beloved first wife's funeral because she loved it ever after hearing it on the Ken Burns Civil War documentary series. In due course, it will be played at mine too.
Awww! You're so sweet! That means so much to me 💖
You are a wonderful violin musician just love to listen to Ashoka Farewell it’s so relaxing well done.
Thank you!
So beautiful! Love it!
A beautiful song played by a beautiful woman.
Awwww, thank you! What a sweet comment! ❤️
that tune haunts me, beautifully played!
Thank you very much!
Beautiful music & beautiful video!!!
Lovely
It’s brought me to tears what those men in the Civil War went through being a reenactor and experiencing it closer even though it’s just reenacting it can bring a man to tears
I tear up just THINKING about it, so I can only imagine reenacting it (or experiencing it firsthand)! ❤️
Except that Jay Ungar did not compose his Ashokan Farewell about the Civil War, or Any war. Quite the contrary. 🙄
Hard to believe this was originally composed in 1982. Very nicely done, Jessica.
Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it! And you're right - it really IS hard to believe. Some music has an "old soul", and this is definitely one of those pieces!
Wow I would never have guessed I'm older than it! If asked to guess I'd have gone for 1700 something.
FAbulous Jessica no other words to describe it comes from the heart
I can picture David McCullough giving us a virtual tour and the heroic stories brought back to life narrated by the lovely man, RIP. And this is a beautiful rendition of the tune, thanks lady 💘
Thank YOU! 💕
Beautifully Done!!!
Wow absolutely amazing. Never heard this piece played as beautifully as this .l love this ashokan farewell.
Thank you very much, Sally! I'm so glad that you enjoyed it. And thank you for taking the time to comment! It made my day :)
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey, thanks! I appreciate that!
@@firststringviolinist You are very gifted!! Lucky you! Beautiful job....
BRAVO !
Thank you very much! I'm glad you liked it 😊
Wonderful
Perfect. Literally. Thank you.
Thank you very much! I'm so glad you liked it :)
Sorry, she has outshone the the composer. This is truly lovely--she powers up on the high notes without harshness.
Why, thank you very much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. And I truly appreciate you taking the time to comment 😀
She played it beautifully but frankly the composer of this song deserves most of the credit. It is a gift to all of us.
Brilliant!
Wow, beautifully played. Listened to you play your rendition six times and felt moved to my core every time. Thank You ❤❤❤
I'm so glad to hear that!
The best!
Thank you so much!
My soul is calm, thank you.
I'm sooooo glad!
Merry Christmas Jessica! I still think of how thrilled my Mother and family was with you and your beautiful music. Mom is back here in New York. She misses Utah though. Please share more of your music on youtube. I will be so happy to view whatever you play.
I'm so glad to hear that she's settled in New York! And I often think back fondly on my time spent with your family! I had such an enjoyable time :) I'll work on uploading something new once the craziness of the holidays dies down! Thanks for the encouragement 👍
Absolutely wonderful and soul stirring.
Thank you so very much! 💕
Wow!
Jessica, you are so amazing!
I may never be able to play it so beautifully but some day soon i shall stand on a hilside and play it to the wind and the trees. So beautifully played here
Thank you so much! Playing in nature really is a special experience... I highly recommend it :) Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Awesome!
Stunning rendition...thank you❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💋💋💋
Thank you very much! 💕
Your violin performance was lovely. Although I am a pianist, I could listen to great violin performances like yours all the time! Bravo! Hello from Houston
Thank you very much! And I agree about enjoying other instruments... wouldn't it be dull if everyone played the same thing? :)
Wait, what? ?? how awesome and beautiful is that. thank you for your song and your wonderful music.
You're most welcome! Thank you for your sweet comment! ❤️
Simply amazing, thank you.
Aww, thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it ♥️
My goodness😭 I wasn't ready for that
❤️❤️❤️
What a beautiful rendition of this . Thank you pretty lady from this ol Southern boy. Huggs !!!
Thank you very much, Bill! I'm tickled you liked it! I hope all is well down South :)
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you so very much! 😍
Wonderful ! 😁
It's amazing what human talent and hard work can do. Beautiful... thank you.
What a sweet comment, Kevin! Thank you so very much! I'm pleased you enjoyed it 😊
Lovely. Thank you Jessica.
You're most welcome, kind sir! I'm glad you liked it :)
Absolutely beautiful rendition! ❤️
Thank you very much! I'm so pleased you liked it 👍
Very good will never get old.
I hope that's the case! 🤣
Lovely.
Another Irish fella here - think I'm gonna learn the fiddle just for this.
I hope you do! The violin/fiddle is the best, and so is this piece! But then again, I might be biased 😉 Best wishes!
@@firststringviolinist Thanks for the encouraging words! Where Irish and American folk music meet is some of the richest music. There used to be a show on Irish TV called the Transatalantic Sessions - here's a good example of how American and Irish folk drink from the same well.
ua-cam.com/video/suRuMnb9Ho4/v-deo.html
Very pretty song.