Ira Hearshen

A Patriotic Overture

A Patriotic Overture takes its melodic, harmonic and rhythmic components from three well-known American patriotic songs: America, the Beautiful; The Battle Hymn of the Republic; and Columbia, Gem of the Ocean. At no time does the composer try to arrange a medley of these works. Rather, Mr. Hearshen has composed a totally new work that uses fragments of known material in such a way as to always give the audience the sense of comfort that comes from familiarity. The composer's affection for these tunes and what they represent is at the heart of the work. He has successfully used them in a contemporary setting without obscuring their essence.