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:https://kenotic.net/wordpress/audio/AirAndSimpleGifts.mp3]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. ]
6 replies on ““Air and Simple Gifts,” performed at the Inauguration of Barack Obama”
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.
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..
Sean: take a look at my comment on this post for more information.
Hunter.. Many thanks..
Any word on how we can download this?
Trace, see Hunter's response to Sean just above 😉