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And BTW, it's not just "playing" (need I say) -- it's a whole "performance."
It started out with him doing a fairly extended percussion thing in the middle of the intro, then getting up and doing the singing/dancing/whatever. And there were at least two contrasting "songs" (I think that's the right word for this). I don't know about this kind of stuff, so I can't tell you what it was or if it was good, but I didn't mind it ....and I found his whole thing very impressive and very well done -- and anyway it was clear that he wasn't screwing up or "ruining his career." He's a multi-talented, poised, dynamic and charismatic performer.
Agreed. It was a great performance and was well executed. Mars is a skilled performer and a good man it seems too.
"A good intention but fixed and resolute - bent on high and holy ends, we shall find means to them on every side and at every moment; and even obstacles and opposition will but make us 'like the fabled specter-ships,' which sail the fastest in the very teeth of the wind." R. W. Emerson
And BTW, it's not just "playing" (need I say) -- it's a whoe "performance."
It started out with him doing a fairly extended percussion thing in the middle of the intro, then getting up and doing the singing/dancing/whatever. And there were at least two contrasting "songs" (I think that's the right word for this). I don't know about this kind of stuff, but I didn't mind it ....and I found his whole thing very impressive and very well done -- and anyway it was clear that he wasn't screwing up or "ruining his career." He's a multi-talented, poised, dynamic and charismatic performer.
And a good songwriter too. By the way, feel free to call that stuff "songs". It's not like the audience calls it anything different.
For as long as I can remember, I've heard and played the National Anthem (S.S.B.) as written in 3/4 time.
Fleming sang the first half in 4/4 time. A number of Bowls ago, there was a truly bad pop singer who did the same thing. I'm not into variations on the Anthem.
I didn't like it either. I'm not American, but your anthem is probably the greatest one on Earth and I felt offended for you guys when I heard this. the 4/4 time was bad enough, but the extra bar after each 8 bar verse made it sound extra cheesy/Hollywood. The anthem should be predictable and strong, and in 3/4 time - not a guessing game about when each phrase starts and when the syllables of each word will finally tumble out of her mouth.
As far as her voice went - that is a singer well past her prime. She actually sang a lot of it in falsetto (listen to the major 6th interval at 1:33-1:34). I think they need to bring in a proper singer in his/her prime and keep it simple. That's what people really want to hear. The song they learned in elementary school.
For as long as I can remember, I've heard and played the National Anthem (S.S.B.) as written in 3/4 time.
Fleming sang the first half in 4/4 time. A number of Bowls ago, there was a truly bad pop singer who did the same thing. I'm not into variations on the Anthem.
I didn't like it either. I'm not American, but your anthem is probably the greatest one on Earth and I felt offended for you guys when I heard this. the 4/4 time was bad enough, but the extra bar after each 8 bar verse made it sound extra cheesy/Hollywood. The anthem should be predictable and strong, and in 3/4 time - not a guessing game about when each phrase starts and when the syllables of each word will finally tumble out of her mouth.
As far as her voice went - that is a singer well past her prime. She actually sang a lot of it in falsetto (listen to the major 6th interval at 1:33-1:34). I think they need to bring in a proper singer in his/her prime and keep it simple. That's what people really want to hear. The song they learned in elementary school.
I don't even understand why they do it - sing and play the anthem at sporting events. Do they think people don't know what country they are in and need the reminder, for some obscure reason?
For as long as I can remember, I've heard and played the National Anthem (S.S.B.) as written in 3/4 time.
Fleming sang the first half in 4/4 time. A number of Bowls ago, there was a truly bad pop singer who did the same thing. I'm not into variations on the Anthem.
I didn't like it either. I'm not American, but your anthem is probably the greatest one on Earth and I felt offended for you guys when I heard this. the 4/4 time was bad enough, but the extra bar after each 8 bar verse made it sound extra cheesy/Hollywood. The anthem should be predictable and strong, and in 3/4 time - not a guessing game about when each phrase starts and when the syllables of each word will finally tumble out of her mouth.
As far as her voice went - that is a singer well past her prime. She actually sang a lot of it in falsetto (listen to the major 6th interval at 1:33-1:34). I think they need to bring in a proper singer in his/her prime and keep it simple. That's what people really want to hear. The song they learned in elementary school.
I don't even understand why they do it - sing and play the anthem at sporting events. Do they think people don't know what country they are in and need the reminder, for some obscure reason?
It's a tradition and it sets the mood. Why have previews at the movies when I can see whatever previews I want at home? It's just part of the whole process and makes for a better experience (besides the obvious goal of marketing). I think this also explains why I agree with ando that a more traditional performance would be better. The fireworks are probably not necessary either but why not?
It's interesting to hear the viewpoint of a non-USA citizen. Did you know that most Americans think that "America the Beautiful" is our National Anthem? Well, at least it's easier to sing.
I have always found an anthem as a waltz, made up of prepositional phrases, to be rather odd. No to mention that it is not easy to sing for the average countryman.
Eons ago, when I was in H.S., I was in an orchestra which was charged with performing the National Anthem of Afghanistan. That was long before the current version. We were confronted with a score notated in 6.5/8 time.
Once you recovered from the shock, and "felt" the rhythm, it was fun!
Marty in Minnesota
It's much easier to bash a Steinway than it is to play one.
It's interesting to hear the viewpoint of a non-USA citizen. Did you know that most Americans think that "America the Beautiful" is our National Anthem?
I know mine is a relatively small sampling, but I don't know anyone who thinks that, but most people I know wish it. It's a much better tune.
....I don't know anyone who thinks that, but most people I know wish it. It's a much better tune.
Sure, but I don't think "better tune" is one of the better criteria for a National Anthem!
I think grandeur. While the Star Spangled Banner isn't my favorite national anthem, I love it, and I love hearing it -- even more so when I'm out of the country (which isn't often, but I mean whenever it is).
"America, the Beautiful" wouldn't quite do it. Although maybe it's just because of decades of knowing it not to be the national anthem....
Well, when it comes to Super Bowls, I tend to focus on names I recognize, rather than some singer with whom I'm not familiar, performing in a genre that I find unappealing. So, I concentrated on Fleming.
Actually Mark C, they are prepositional phrases. Have some fun diagraming/parsing that incredible run-on sentence.
ROTFLMAO
Marty in Minnesota
It's much easier to bash a Steinway than it is to play one.
I don't know about this kind of stuff, so I can't tell you what it was or if it was good, but I didn't mind it 
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