Subbu Iyer

AP Lang 5
Mrs. ONeal
9/15/14
National Anthem Essay
The Star Spangled Banner sung by Whitney Houston and Vanderbilt Melodores each,
respectively, models a distinct tone of spontaneity and tranquility which contribute to an overall
sensation of patriotism. Whitney Houston and Vanderbilt both differentiate their tones while
singing, And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, through a shift that is,
respectively, emphasizing a crescendo and a slight decrescendo. Houston makes a sudden jump
to a louder voice that portrays a more dramatic and patriotic moment through acknowledging a
pinnacle turning point in the song where the rockets are seen to be flying through the air with
bursting bombs in the background; her raise in voice and tone show more pride for America thus
giving a rising feeling of nationalism. Vanderbilt distinctly portrays this line through a much
quieter phrase by singing this is a lower melodic tone in which everyone is able to harmonize
lightly; this phase is rather a transitional phase to a higher point in the song which helps build up
a light and warm patriotic feeling which encapsulates the potential to further express patriotism
later on. As the song further picks up, both artists again clearly shift away from each other while
each distinguishing the line, Gave proof though the night that our flag was still there. Whitney
Houston exemplifies here a much more slow paced pull while also being deeply ingrained into
the harmony and melody thus creating a smoother and flowing line which attributes to a joyful
and reminiscent sense of patriotism. Melodores contrasts Houstons style by pushing a fast pace
while surprisingly backing off in tone to create, yet again, a serene and quiet atmosphere that
anticipates a dramatic rise thus helping propagate a very smooth and light feeling of patriotism
that yet has a peak to be reached. Transitioning up to the end, both singers finish off the musical
piece through passionately vocalizing the line, Oer the land of the free and the homo g the
brave? Here both Whitney Houston and Vanderbilt Melodores consolidate the same tone,
rhythm and style in their voice though pausing between short 2 word phrases and incrementally
raising their pitch and volume, however, Vanderbilt still adopts a more tranquil and moving
voice. This similar elongation in a slow raise in key puts the setting at suspense yet filled with
emotions that spurs a climactic and a heavily patriotic response that ensures a bondage to a
feeling of nationalism. Retrospectively, the bursting tone of Whitney Houston maintains a
thorough yet demanding and persistent feeling of patriotism throughout the song while
Vanderbilt Melodores create a softer and consistent tone to ensure a slow rising build up to a
final sensation of patriotism.