Tunes of Long Ago - Trombone Quartet

"Tunes of Long Ago" is a two movement sampling of the hymns, marches, and folk music that inspired Charles Ives throughout his upbringing in post-Civil War Connecticut. Ives was known for quoting these and other popular American

melodies that audiences at the time were well familiar with, which in part contributed to the unique sound of his compositions. His quotation of these melodies serves to mystify his concept of American life, as well as frequently hint at deeper considerations about patriotism, democracy, what it means to love your country. These themes seem especially prescient as the United States of America observes its 250th year.