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“Air and Simple Gifts,” performed at the Inauguration of Barack Obama

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”

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..

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