The Greatest Showman is a musical drama it premiered on the RMS Queen Mary II in 2017, the same year that saw the last performance ever from the predecessor of the Barnum and Bailey Circus – subject of the story. Barnum and Bailey started in 1871 and later merged with Ringling circus. In the mid 19th century P.T. Barnum and his circus troupe performed at the famous circus “The Greatest Show.” Some people loved and others were not sure about the film. It was nominated for a number of Musical or Comedy awards at the 75th Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture and best actor; but it was the music, not the plot that stood out and won awards. “The Greatest Showman” won music awards for the best original song ‘This is me.” It also won best original song in the 90th Academy Awards and Best compilation music from the film soundtrack for visual media at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.
In real life, Jenny Lind was a famous singer who founded a children’s hospital in Norwich, England, where Barnum and Baileys circus visited. Based on a true story, the film set a new record number for sing-along-screenings in over 550 cinemas in the UK. The soundtrack was No.1 in the U.K. for 11 weeks, the second recording to do that in 30 years. In the U.S. It was listed in the top 15 of the IMDb list of American Top Grossing Musical Titles. It is currently running as a stage musical with sing-along-subtitles.
Print Piano Sheet Music
Want to play the music from The Greatest Showman? This post includes links to arrangements for beginner and easy piano solo.
Grammy Award winning songwriters, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who also wrote the score for “La La Land,” composed all the songs for the “The Greatest Showman.” They’ve been awarded Golden Globe and Academy Awards for La La Land song “City of Stars” and also for “The Greatest Showman.” The composers met at the University of Michigan, where they both graduated with a BFA Musical Theatre Degree. The very next year they won the American Theatre Wings 2007 Jonathan Larson Award. Pasek and Paul compose for television, musical theatre and films including scores for the musical, Dear Evan Hansen, James and The Giant Peach.
Synopsis of ‘The Greatest Showman’
It all began with P.T. Barnum, the son of a tailor. Young Barnum fell in love with the daughter of his father’s boss, Charity Hallett, when he managed to make her laugh one day. Charity is sent away to finishing school. Barnum promised her that they would write to each other and meet when they were grown up. In the film the song, “A Million Dreams” is all about this promise. They do meet again, marry, and have two children. Charity is happy, but Barnum wanted to do exciting things. When he lost his job he decided to get a bank loan and buy Barnum’s American Museum in Downtown Manhattan, New York. It was a museum with a variety of things to look at. However, business was slow so his children suggested Barnum try something else. He began a search for unusual people, “freaks” as they were known at the time. Some people liked the show, but others didn’t. Barnum decided he needed to find someone rich to help support. Barnum went to England with his friend Carlyle who fell in love with an African American trapeze artist in the circus. Carlyle’s parents did not approve. Barnum departs again, his troupe to perform on their own. They are teased, but they did not give up. “This is me” is about how they took courage and stood up to the people who bullied them. After meeting with the Queen, Barnum met Jenny Lind, a Swedish singer with an incredible voice. Barnum went on tour to America with Jenny Lind. Barnum then went home and found the circus was on fire. A fire started by protestors who were against the troupe. Barnum lost everything, his home, his family, his wife, his troupe. Barnum was feeling sorry for himself. His troupe found him and told him that they were his family, and they would support him.
Americans are proud of their United States and have lots of great songs to show this. Patriotic music has been written to make people feel proud and courageous from the times of the founding fathers in the 18th century to the present day. A sense of patriotism (love of ones country) is part and parcel of American history and culture. Patriotic hymns, national anthems, military and theatrical music are all ways to show deep love for the nation. Patriotic songs in the early days were sung by the British settlers and reflected their hopes and dreams. Some of these were re-written with new words to familiar tunes as the United States grew. Patriotic songs arose from the conflicts that made America independent and great.
The ‘Star Spangled Banner’
‘The Star Spangled Banner’is sung in school assemblies, at sports events and gatherings of all sorts. It is part of who we are as Americans. In 1814, Francis Key wrote a poem inspired by the flag that hung triumphantly over Fort McHenry during the naval battle of Baltimore, known as the ‘Star Spangled Banner’. Like a number of other American songs the poem was set to a familiar tune called, the Anacreon Heaven, written by John Stafford Smith for a London based social music club for men. The song became the official song of the United States Navy in 1889, President Woodrow Wilson endorsed it in 1916, and in 1931 it officially became the American National Anthem, agreed by congress and signed by President Herbert Hoover. The song is symbolic of what it means to be an American. *Anacreon was a Greek poet who wrote short songs.
About the Composer of ‘Star Spangled Banner’
John Stafford Smith (1750– 1721) was born in Gloucester, England. He was a composer, musicologist and organist. He had a firm grounding in music, he followed in his fathers footsteps as church organist. As a child he sang in the Gloucester Cathedral School choir. He was one of the first collectors of Johann Sebastian Bach manuscripts. He wrote the Anacreonic song which later became known as ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ the patriotic song we known as the American National Anthem.
Oh, say can you see by the dawn’s early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam, In full glory reflected now shines in the stream: ‘Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion, A home and a country should leave us no more! Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved home and the war’s desolation! Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.” And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
History for ‘Yankee Doodle’
‘Yankee Doodle’ is a song that has a long history, it is not known who wrote it. The tune to this popular song is thought to be very old, possibly medieval. A 15th century Dutch version with lyrics for a harvest song, form the basis to the modern song, including the word “dudel” which roughly translates as a simpleton. Macaroni is a reference to a 17th century wig and a dandy was a superficial, vain person, someone who was focussed on his appeareance and having a good time. A self made British Dandy was a middle class man who pretended he was from a higher class than he was, someone who put on airs and graces and impersonated the aristcracy. They tended to wear fancy silk and put feathers in their caps. There may be a number of underlying themes in this song.
About the Composer of ‘Yankee Doodle’
This tune is hard to pin down to a particular author. It is thought to have had several versions, possibly originating as a song written by the pre American revolution British to mock the American soldiers. It is likely that the current version was written by Edward Bangs in 1776.
Yankee Doodle went to town Riding on a pony, Stuck a feather in his cap And called it macaroni. Yankee Doodle, keep it up Yankee Doodle dandy, Mind the music and the step And with the girls be handy.
Father and I went down to camp Along with Captain Gooding, And there we saw the men and boys As thick as hasty pudding. Yankee Doodle, keep it up Yankee Doodle dandy, Mind the music and the step And with the girls be handy.
There was Captain Washington Upon a slapping stallion, Giving orders to his men I guess there were a million. Yankee Doodle, keep it up Yankee Doodle dandy, Mind the music and the step And with the girls be handy.
Yankee Doodle went to town Riding on a pony, Stuck a feather in his cap And called it macaroni. Yankee Doodle, keep it up Yankee Doodle dandy, Mind the music and the step And with the girls be handy.
Yankee Doodle, keep it up Yankee Doodle dandy, Mind the music and the step And with the girls be handy.
Alternate Lyrics for ‘Yankee Doodle’
Yankee Doodle went to town Riding on a pony, Stuck a feather in his cap And called it macaroni.
Yankee Doodle went to town Riding on a pony, He stuck his head in a beauty shop And came out with a Toni.
‘We Love You America’ is a simple American Patriotic song . It is an easy song to sing and play which is great for building confidence for beginner musicians.
About the Composer of ‘We Love You America’
Andrew Fling was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania in 1963. As a child he played clarinet and trumpet in the school band. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Theory and Composition and K-12 music education certification at Arizona State University. He shares his love of music with kids through music lessons, general music and band in Christian and public schools, and through this website which he founded in 2007.
We love you America, Atlantic to Pacific. We love you America, We think you are terrific.
‘America the Beautiful’
Katherine Bates was inspired to write the words for this song in 1883 on a trip to teach summer school in Colorado Springs. She saw and wrote about white buildings at “White City”, the ” World Colombian Exposition” in Chicago, fields growing wheat in Kansas and scenery, including Pikes Peak. Pikes peak was the original name of the poem. It was first published in 1895 for the 4th of July.
About the Composer of ‘America the Beautiful’
‘America the Beautiful’ was set to music by Samual Ward (1848-1903), who was born in Newark, New Jersey. He studied music, wrote hymns, founded the Orpheus Club of Newark and was an organist at Grace Episcopal Church. ‘From Sea to Shining Sea’ is an American idiom referring to the land stretching between the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean. A God given land whose beauty is written about in the poem ‘America’ by Katherine Bates, which inspired Samual Ward to set it to music. This became the patriotic song ‘America the Beautiful’. Strange but true, although they lived at the same time, they never actually met! Samual Ward died a year before the song became popular and ironically Katherine Bates did lived to see it.
O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain. America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea.O beautiful for pilgrim feet Whose stern impassion’d stress A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness. America! America! God mend thine ev’ry flaw, Confirm thy soul in self control, Thy liberty in law.O beautiful for heroes prov’d In liberating strife, Who more than self their country lov’d And mercy more than life. America! America! May God thy gold refine Till all success be nobleness, And ev’ry gain divine.O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years, Thine alabaster cities gleam, Undimmed by human tears. America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea.
‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’
‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’, also known as ‘Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory’, is an American Civil War song written by American writer Julia Howe and set to the old song ‘John Brown’s Body’. The song was written during the American Civil war and sung as a Protestant Christian ‘Camp’ song. It has half a century of history written in a few words and is about the good spiritual morals of America. It is a religious worship hymn, battle march and social activist chant rolled in one. It sounds like a spiritual, an echoe perhaps of its roots, the song Howe may have heard Unionist troops sing as they marched. A song about a man, John Brown who tried to start a slave rebellion, ‘John Brown’s Body’inspired her to write the lyrics which united the abolition of slavery with religeous righteousness. To this day it represents the moral view, be good and God will welcome you in heaven.
About the Composer of ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’
William Steffe (1830-1890) was born in South Carolina. He is attributed with writing down the music for the song we know today as ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’ in about 1856. It was a camp-meeting song which brought people together and lifted their spirits to God “Glory Hallelujah.” The tune became the Unionist marching song in the American Civil War. William Steffe was a South-Carolina born Philadelphia bookkeeper and insurance agent as well as a composer.
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword; His truth is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps; They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps; I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps, His day is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
I have read His fiery gospel writ in rows of burnished steel! “As ye deal with my condemners, so with you My grace shall deal! Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel,” Since God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat; Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him; be jubilant, my feet! Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me; As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free! While God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
The Minstrel Boy’ (Moore)
Many Americans are proud of their Irish roots. ‘The Minstrel Boy‘ by Thomas Moore (1779-1852) is thought to have written this patriotic piece in memory of friends from Trinity College, Dublin, who fought in the 1798 Irish Rebellion. The ‘Minstrel Boy’ is a patriotic song set to the melody of ‘The Moreen’ which is an old Irish Air. It was a popular song sung by Irishmen during the American Civil War and continued to be sung in WWI. It is sung to this day, especially where there is a strong historical link to Irish-Americans. Many organisations with these links, such as police and firefighters sing it today.
About the Composer of ‘The Minstrel Boy’
Thomas Moore (1779-1852) was born in Ireland. He was a poet, singer, songwriter and entertainer. He acted in plays and enjoyed music and the performing arts. He wrote ‘The Minstrel Boy’ and also the well known song ‘Rose of Summer’. He was given the nickname of “Anacreon Moore” as he was required to burn Lord Byrons memoirs when he died. Thomas Moore considered becoming an actor, but in the end became a lawyer. Strange but true, Thomas Moore went to several different schools in Dublin and learned to speak with an English accent, he adopted it and spoke with an English accent for the rest of his life. He was friends with students who looked for French support to drum up a revolution against the British, they tried but failed. Thomas Moore is known for writing a collection of Irish Melodies as well as the patriotic song ‘The Minstrel Boy’ .
The minstrel boy to the war is gone In the ranks of death you’ll find him His father’s sword he has girded on And his wild harp slung behind him “Land of Song!” said the warrior bard Tho’ all the world betrays thee One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard One faithful harp shall praise thee!
The Minstrel fell! But the foeman’s chain Could not bring his proud soul under The harp he wore ne’er spoke again For he tore its chords asunder And said “No chains shall sully thee Thou soul of love and bravery! Thy songs were made for the pure and free They shall never sound in slavery!”
‘You’re A Grand Old Flag’
‘Your’e a Grand Old Flag‘ is sung at Scout meetings all around America. It is a tribute to the American Flag and contains references to a number of other patriotic songs. A popular version with slightly different words is the anthem for Melbourne Football club. George Cohen wrote this marching song for his stage musical ‘George Washington, Jr’ . The title is said to have arisen from meeting a Civil War veteran who held a folded flag which he referred to as “A grand old rag”, Cohen took this and coined the phrase ‘Your’e a Grand Old Flag’. The song was recorded with the original wording and the veteran is penned into the play. The song hit musical the heights in popularity and hit a record, becoming the first song from a musical ever sell over a million copies of sheet music!
About the composer:’You’re A Grand Old Flag’ (Cohen)
George Cohen(1878-1942) was born in Providence Rhode Island, but his birth certificate is said to have contained two mistakes, his date of birth and his mothers name! So sometimes things are not quite what they seem, his family say he was born on the American Patriotic day July 4th, Independance Day. Whether true or not, it is perhaps fitting for a man who would later composed the patriotic song as ‘You’re a Grand Old Flag’. He was an American composer, playwright, lyracist, actor, singer, dancer, in short a multitalented all round entertainer. His career began as part of a vaudeveille act ‘The Four Cohens’ which was a family performance group. He was a prolific composer. He wrote more than three dozen Bradway musicals and over 300 songs. He was an early member of ASCAP the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Because he did so much for American musical theatre, there is a famous statue of him in Tyne Square.
There’s a feeling come a stealing And it sets my brain a reeling, When I’m list’ning to the music Of a military band. Any tune like “Yankee Doodle” Simply sets me off my noodle, It’s that patriotic something That no one can understand. “Way down South in the land of cotton,” Melody untiring, Ain’t that inspiring! Hurrah! Hurrah! We’ll join the jubilee, And that’s going some For the Yankees, by gum! Red, White and Blue, I am for you, Honest you’re a grand old flag.
You’re a grand old flag, You’re a high flying flag, And forever in peace may you wave. You’re the emblem of The land I love, The home of the free and the brave. Ev’ry heart beats true Under Red, White and Blue, Where there’s never a boast or brag; But should auld acquaintance be forgot, Keep your eye on the grand old flag.
I’m a cranky hanky panky, I’m a dead square honest Yankee, And I’m mighty proud of that old flag That flies for Uncle Sam. Though I don’t believe in raving, Ev’ry time I see it waving, There’s a chill runs up my back That makes me glad I’m what I am. Here’s a land with a million soldiers, That’s if we should need ’em, We’ll fight for freedom! Hurrah! Hurrah! For ev’ry Yankee Tar And old G. A. R.* Ev’ry stripe, ev’ry star, Red, White and Blue, Hats off to you, Honest, you’re a grand old flag.
You’re a grand old flag, You’re a high flying flag, And forever in peace may you wave. You’re the emblem of The land I love, The home of the free and the brave. Ev’ry heart beats true Under Red, White and Blue, Where there’s never a boast or brag; But should auld acquaintance be forgot, Keep your eye on the grand old flag.
‘When Johnny Comes Marching Home’
‘When Johnny Comes Marching Home ‘ was written by Patrick Gilmore an Irish-American, during the American Civil War. It was to become the theme tune for the 1942 musical of the same name. It was originally written under the pen name of Louis Lambert, a fashionable thing to do at that time. It is thought to be a song born from something heard and the circumstance of Gilmore’s sister waiting for her sweetheart, a Unionist in that war.
About the Composer of ‘When Johnny Comes Marching Home’
Louis Lambert aka Patrick Gilmore(1829-1892) was born in Ballygar, County Galway, Ireland. He is known for his contributions to military music. At fifteen he played in an English band in Canada.He played in various bands and was a band leader, he played at President Buchanan’s inuaguration. He founded his own band in 1858 and soon joined the war. He fought alongside General Burnside in North Carolina and was later put in charge of re-organizing military music, and given the title Band Master General. He organized Big Band extravaganzas and wrote the 22nd Regiment March. He set up what is now known as Maddison Square Gardens. He was a key figure in 19th century music. He founded the military music of today with his innovation of setting brass against reed instruments. In 1970 he was added to the Songwriters Hall of fame.
When Johnny comes marching home again, Hurrah! Hurrah! We’ll give him a hearty welcome then Hurrah! Hurrah! The men will cheer and the boys will shout The ladies they will all turn out And we’ll all feel gay when Johnny comes marching home.The old church bell will peal with joy Hurrah! Hurrah! To welcome home our darling boy, Hurrah! Hurrah! The village lads and lassies say With roses they will strew the way, And we’ll all feel gay when Johnny comes marching home.Get ready for the Jubilee, Hurrah! Hurrah! We’ll give the hero three times three, Hurrah! Hurrah! The laurel wreath is ready now To place upon his loyal brow And we’ll all feel gay when Johnny comes marching home.Let love and friendship on that day, Hurrah, hurrah! Their choicest pleasures then display, Hurrah, hurrah! And let each one perform some part, To fill with joy the warrior’s heart, And we’ll all feel gay when Johnny comes marching home
Patriotic Music Quiz
Q1 Who wrote the song ‘The Star Spangled Banner’?
A1 Francis Key wrote the song.
Q2 The ‘Battle Song of The Republic’ is also known as?
A2 ‘Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory’
Q3 Patrick Gilmore aka Louis Lambert first set Brass instruments with?
A3 Reed instruments.
Q4 Why is there a statue of George Cohen in Tyne Square?
A4 Because he did so much for American musical theatre.
Q5 The word anacreon is associated with which two composers?
A5 Stafford and Moore.
Interested in playing a few of the greatest patriotic songs ever? This post includes a wonderful collection of beginner and easy piano sheet music and lyrics for the patriotic songs that inspire us.
Released in 1975, Jaws quickly became the highest grossing film of all time and held that title until Star Wars was released in 1977. The music John Williams composed for the film is today one of the most recognizable movie themes. He used two simple notes to suggest danger and build incredible tension, prompting movie critics to compare him to master film maker, Alfred Hitchcock. Want to play the music of this blockbuster movie? This post includes four arrangements for beginner through easy piano. The first two arrangements are two tribute works that capture the spirit of the movie score, and make the music accessible for even the earliest beginner. The following two arrangements are simplified versions of the original score.
Print “Jaws” Movie Theme Tribute for Beginner Piano
John Williams, composer of the Jaws Movie theme, has been writing music for over six decades. Have you seen Home Alone, E.T. Extra-terrestrial, Jurassic Park, Superman, and the first three Harry Potter films? These are just a few of the movies for which John Williams has composed musical scores. John Williams described his Jaws theme as “grinding away at you, just as a shark would do, instinctual, relentless, unstoppable.” John Williams has also composed concertos, sports event and news channel themes, such as the themes for the 1984 Summer Olympics and NBC Sunday Night Football. John Williams has written the scores for most of Stephen Spielberg’s feature films. He also served as the principal conductor for the Boston Pops orchestra from 1980 to 1993, and is currently the laureate conductor. John Williams has received 51 Academy nominations, with only Walt Disney receiving more.
‘Jaws’ Movie Theme Quiz
Q1 What was the highest grossing film in 1975? AJaws
Q2 Who composed the film score for Jaws? A John WilliamsQ3 How does John Williams describe the Jaws theme? AJohn Williams described this theme as “grinding away at you, just as a shark would do, instinctual, relentless, unstoppable.”
Q4 The Jaws theme is based on a very short motivic idea. How many notes make up this powerful motive (melody)? A Two
“Jaws” Movie Synopsis
One hot summer the perfect calm of an idyllic beach in Amity, New Hampshire , where a party is in full swing, is suddenly disturbed. A young woman meets her demise while swimming. She was attacked by an unusually large shark. But how is this going to be handled?The police chief, Brody, wants the shark to be hunted down, whilst the Mayor and some local business men want to carry on as though nothing happened.Either way the tourist economy that supports Amity is at risk. Local fisherman catch a Tiger shark and the mayor to declares the case closed. A Great Whiteshark tooth is found in connection with another victim.Against fierce opposition, Hooper, an Ichthyologist, Brody the sheriff and Quint, Captain of the ‘Orca’, set out to capture the shark. We are tipped the wink that Quint is a hero when he regales Hooper with tales of his survival of USS Indianapolis. At this same moment the shark rams the hull of the boat…The Great White Shark is overpowered, the ‘Orca’ is destroyed and the men wash back ashore at Amity beach clinging to barrels from the wreckage. Amity is safe once more…
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