Sheet Music: Hail to the Chief

TitleHail to the Chief
Alternate titlesThe Lady of the Lake
ComposerJames Sanderson (1769–1841)
InstrumentationFlute solo
KeyF major
RangeF4–C6
Time signature4/4
Tempo108 BPM
Performance time0:35
Difficulty leveleasy
Download printable scorePDF Sheet Music (50 kB) (preview)
Download audio tracksMIDI (change tempo/key) MP3 (297 kB)
Date added2012-09-25
Last updated2012-09-25
Download popularity index☆☆☆☆☆ 0.2 (relatively unpopular)
Categories
Patriotic

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Tuesday 25 September 2012

Tune of the Day: Hail to the Chief

Official Presidential Anthem of the United States

This tune accompanies the appearance of the President of the USA at many public appearances.

Verses from Sir Walter Scott's poem The Lady of the Lake, including “Hail to the Chief who in triumph advances!” were set to music around 1812 by the songwriter James Sanderson, a self-taught English violinist and the conductor of the Surrey Theatre, London, who wrote many songs for local theatrical productions.

Scott's romance was quickly made into unauthorized romantic melodramas. Around that time, the poet received a letter from a friend and army officer who ended his note with a copy of the music of “Hail to the Chief”. In 1829, Andrew Jackson was the first President to have the song used to honor his position.

Thanks to Steve for suggesting this tune!

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