10/06/2026
Music Deep Dive: American Tune
American Tune was released in 1973 by singer-songwriter Paul Simon. The piece is a beautiful reflection of American life which is both a product of its time and timeless in its meaning.
Having been released in 1973, the piece came from one of the most tumultuous moments in the history of the United States. The immediate impacts of involvement in Vietnam, even though troops had been withdrawn, were deeply felt, and the ongoing Watergate scandal further shook the public, eroding its trust in the government. The lyrics reflect a mournful uncertainty, a sense of exhaustion in certain realities of life, and the need to rest in order to continue to work despite these harsh realities. These messages are timeless and many can relate to the resigned perseverance reflected in this piece.
Musically, the original piece features light instrumentation, highlighting the contemplative nature of the piece. The melody is based on the hymn “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded.” Alto Ellen Rizzo notes, “The text to the hymn was actually written in Medieval times, but the melody was composed by Hans Leo Hassler in the early 1600's, and later harmonized by J.S. Bach himself.” American Tune is essentially a further evolution in the use of this melody, from use in a secular love song, to a Christian hymn, to a reflection on American life.
The version of this beautiful piece that we will be performing was arranged by Matthew Culloton in 2024. Set for piano and choir, it maintains the overall contemplative nature of the original.
Come hear our take on this piece on October 25th at 3PM at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs!
