Composer

:

John Stafford Smith

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Anthem

Compose Date

:

ca. 1799

Average_duration

:

2:14

The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States of America. It was composed by John Stafford Smith in 1773, but it was not officially adopted as the national anthem until 1931. The song has four movements and is known for its powerful lyrics and soaring melody. The Star-Spangled Banner was first performed in public on September 14, 1814, during the Battle of Baltimore. The song was written by Francis Scott Key, who was inspired by the sight of the American flag flying over Fort McHenry after a night of heavy bombardment by the British. Key wrote the lyrics to the tune of a popular British song called "To Anacreon in Heaven," which had been composed by John Stafford Smith in 1773. The Star-Spangled Banner has four movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and stately, with a sense of solemnity and reverence. The second movement is more lively and upbeat, with a sense of optimism and hope. The third movement is slower and more contemplative, with a sense of reflection and introspection. The final movement is triumphant and celebratory, with a sense of pride and patriotism. The Star-Spangled Banner is known for its powerful lyrics, which celebrate the resilience and strength of the American people. The song's opening lines, "O say can you see, by the dawn's early light, what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming," evoke a sense of pride and patriotism, while the final lines, "O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave," celebrate the freedom and bravery of the American people. Overall, The Star-Spangled Banner is a powerful and moving tribute to the American spirit. Its soaring melody and powerful lyrics have made it an enduring symbol of American patriotism and pride.

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