Song 4: Brave Wolfe

This song was recorded in 1997, as part of Mark O'Connor's album "Liberty!", which was composed for a PBS series, also called "Liberty!", that reflects events prior to and including the American Revolution. Indeed, listening to the song reminded me of the background music to a documentary. I could almost hear a soft-spoken narrator, informing us exactly how General Wolfe died at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. While the battle's name sounds biblical, it actually occurred in present-day Canada, and was a great turning point in the Seven Years' War, swinging the power balance in Britain's favor. Unfortunately for General Wolfe, the battle also cost him his life.

The song reflects the battle in several ways. First, the trumpet is traditionally a battlefield instrument, so its use in the song gives it momentous importance. Second, the song's tempo, gradually picking up pace, shows how the battle developed, and was ultimately resolved later on in the action. Without knowing the background information about the song, however, it is difficult to really understand what the song means.

However, I enjoyed the song, because I had the benefit of learning about General Wolfe. I think this song does a good job of reminding Americans that events occurred before there was a United States, and that Britain and France was instrumental in shaping the nation that we know today. It also reflects the heroics of the individual (ironically, an Englishman), and shows how one man's patriotism can profoundly shape the course of history.