ASHOKAN FAREWELL for Classic Banjo

[thereallyniceman]

Steve has sent me his score of the now famous folk tune Ashokan Farewell.  Steve says that this is a fairly easy arrangement suitable for those new to the classic style banjo playing.

The tune is so popular amongst folk performers that it is assumed that it is now in the public domain but this is not, in fact, the case as it was only composed in 1982 by Jay Ungar.

 

In 1990 Ashokan Farewell was used as part of soundtrack recording to The Civil War, the five-part film by Ken Burns deemed to be one of the most popular offerings ever presented on public television in the USA, with over 14 million viewers each night. The documentary series traces the personal and political fortunes of both the leaders and the soldiers who were involved in America’s greatest internal conflict.

 

After discussions with Jay, he has kindly allowed us to post Steve’s arrangement for Classic Banjo and asked that we add a link to his website for those who would like more information. The score is now available in the MUSIC LIBRARY.

 

LINK TO JAY UNGAR AND MOLLY MASON’S WEBSITE

 

Here is Steve's midi version of the score:

 

ASHOKAN FAREWELL by Jay Ungar

ASHOKAN FAREWELL by Jay Ungar 


©1983 by Swinging Door Music. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

[thereallyniceman]

Many thanks to Jay Ungar for allowing us to post this Classic Banjo arrangement of his score.

[Steve Harrison]

Tune has a particular poignancy for me as I'm having Jay and Mollys' recording played at my mother's funeral on Monday.  She died last week having attained the grand age of 90 years.

[Trapdoor2]

Well done, gentlemen. It don't get better than this.

[Steve Harrison]

Thanks Marc, it was a roundabout route to get it posted but well worth it I think. The original score is in D, I chose F because I've got hands like navies' shovels and it makes everything  a bit  more comfortable to play.