American Anthem: The Interpretive Impact of the Poet
by Philip J. Rogers
The creative arts are tools of interpretive communication with varied subtexts – similar to the layered leaves of an artichoke. The genius of the poet resides in their ability to succinctly state what the rest of us mere mortals would find difficult to accomplish. The power of the poet’s interpretive perspectives can reflect and impact the human experience on many meaningful levels. For example, to effectively unpack the poem, The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman, and poets like her, we must examine the cultural, historical, philosophical, psychological and spiritual perspectives of that poem.
Another creative music and poetic declaration is the patriotic composition, American Anthem by Gene Sheer. This work was featured in the Ken Burns 2007 miniseries documentary, The War, and performed as part of the soundtrack by vocal artist, Nora Jones. Subsequent performances were rendered by opera mezzo soprano, Denyce Graves, opera baritone, Nathan Gunn, as well as various other performers.
It was during a social event at the home of Nathan and Julie Gunn in Champaign, Illinois while Julie and I pursued our graduate degrees at the University of Illinois that I was introduced to one of the guests, the New York composer, Gene Sheer. Later that evening we were graced with Nathan’s performance of Gene’s then recent composition, American Anthem, with Julie Gunn at the piano.
During the recent presidential inauguration, President Joseph Biden recited a portion of the song’s lyrics as part of his presidential address to the nation. The text that he recited was:
“The work and prayers of centuries have brought us to this day. What shall be our legacy? What will our children say? Let them say of me, I was one who believed in sharing the blessings I received. Let me know in my heart when my days are through. America, America, I gave my best to you.”
Without a doubt these words were a noteworthy asset to the new president’s refreshing and encouraging message to the country and the world.
The Nathan Gunn recorded performance of American Anthem is here attached for your listening pleasure. https://youtu.be/_JCLEQALjiU