“Air and Simple Gifts,” performed at the Inauguration of Barack Obama
January 21, 2009
Yesterday a couple of friends and I went out to lunch and watched the Inauguration of our 44th President, Barack Obama. I had never actually watched an inauguration before, so it was a pretty cool sight to see; so many people, so much history, so much tradition. I also thought Rick Warren did a great job on the opening prayer. Obama evokes hope in people, but I really like how Warren visibly evoked something greater.
Just prior to the Oath of Office, Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Anthony McGill, and Gabriela Montero performed an excellent rendition of John William’s new composition, “Air and Simple Gifts,” which I wanted to share, because I think it’s so beautiful. 
Enjoy.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
It’s a new day, with a new president. Exciting times.
[ Edit: I was still waking up when I wrote this: yes, it was Rick Warren, not Tim Keller, who gave the opening prayer. 
Thanks, Mark. ]
Posted in 
content rss
January 21st, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Hey, Hunter:
Thanks for posting the tune; nice to hear it again. BTW, I think you meant Rick Warren for the opening prayer. Would've been awesome if it were Keller, but it wasn't.
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:14 am
What a beautiful piece.. It really gives a musical interpretation to the hope I believe that most of America feels.. Would it be possible to make this download able? Yours is the only copy that has none of the commentary that I have found and I want to save this piece for future listening.. Thanks..
January 22nd, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Sean: take a look at my comment on this post for more information.
January 24th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Hunter.. Many thanks..
January 27th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Any word on how we can download this?
January 27th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Trace, see Hunter's response to Sean just above