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About the song and notes for recorder
When considering the vast repertoire available for those embarking on their musical journey with the recorder, one song stands out for its historical richness and universal appeal: “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” This song, deeply embedded in the American cultural fabric, was composed during the Civil War era, around 1863, by Patrick Gilmore. It has since become an anthem of return and reunion, capturing the collective yearning for peace and the joy of welcoming loved ones back home. The melody is straightforward yet evocative, making it an excellent choice for beginners learning to play the recorder. With its lively rhythm and memorable tune, it offers a rewarding experience for those using the recorder book for beginners and engaging with picture notation for the recorder for the first time.
The lyrics of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” are filled with anticipation and relief, mirroring the emotions of families awaiting the return of their soldiers. It’s a piece that transcends its military origins, resonating with anyone who has ever longed for the return of someone dear. This song is not just a piece of history; it’s a living, breathing expression of hope and joy. The simplicity of the melody, combined with the depth of its emotional resonance, makes it a perfect piece for recorder lessons for beginners. Using a recorder songbook with pictures, such as the easy recorder songbook featured in our collection, learners of all ages can start to play this touching anthem without prior knowledge of traditional music notation. The picture notes sheet music allows for an intuitive learning process, making “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” accessible to recorder beginners, from kids embarking on their first musical adventure to adults rediscovering their musical passions. This song, with its blend of historical significance and emotional depth, exemplifies the enriching experience of making music accessible to everyone through the innovative approach of picture notation in recorder education.
Some of the notes on our website contain the full version of the song, and some are excerpts, or for example the very beginning, chorus or verse, etc. Full versions of all the notes can be found in our books and e-books: SHOP.
