Star Spangled Banner | Piano Play-Along
John Stafford Smith
“The Star-Spangled Banner” was written as a poem titled “Defence of Fort M’Henry” by Francis Scott Key in 1814 during the War of 1812. The poem was later set to the tune of a popular British song called “To Anacreon in Heaven,” and the combined work was officially designated as the national anthem of the United States in 1931.
The anthem is structured in strophic form, featuring a single melody repeated with different verses. Its melody spans a wide vocal range of an octave and a half, making it challenging to sing. Stylistically, the piece is stirring and dramatic with a stately, march-like tempo and rhythm that evoke a sense of grandeur and resilience. The anthem’s soaring melody celebrates American perseverance and freedom, embodying national pride and spirit. Its formal simplicity combined with emotional intensity has made it an enduring symbol of American identity.
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On June 18th, 1812, after a series of trade disagreements and the British impressment of U.S. maritime rights, president James Madison declared war on Great Britain. Thus began the War of 1812. Madison’s declaration, however, was not unilaterally supported. In fact, many Americans opposed this decision. Not only did they believe that the strength of the British war machine far outweighed the young American militia, but with Britain being America’s most prominent trading partner, a schism could potentially be disastrous for the economy.
