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Thread: Florence Reece, "Which Side Are You On?" for solo octave mandolin

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    Default Florence Reece, "Which Side Are You On?" for solo octave mandolin

    This is my solo arrangement of Florence Reece, "Which Side Are You On?" here performed on an octave mandolin made by the late Walt Kuhlman. It is the third movement of a suite entitled "Protest Songs" (links to videos of the other two movements, songs by Stephen Stills and Bob Dylan, are posted to the Cafe's "Videos, Pictures, and Sound Files" forum under the "post a video of yourself" thread). The video was made for the virtual Open Mic concert at the Classical Mandolin Society of America's online Convention in the Clouds held this past November.

    The arrangement begins with a slightly altered, fragmentary quote from Benjamin Britten's "Nocturnal after John Dowland, op. 70" (for guitar) followed by a brief, free variation on the quote. The main theme then appears under a descending chromatic bass, elements of which occur throughout the arrangement. The chromaticism introduces back and forth dissonance, a sense of struggle that, in my mind, is the essence of a protest song. Dowland's two chromatic fantasias ("Farewell" and "Forelorn Hope Fancy") are among his greatest, and most disturbing works -- hence, the connection to the opening Britten fragment.

    Reece wrote her classic song during a mining strike in Harlan County KY, in 1931. It was later made famous in recordings by Pete Seeger and the Weavers. In recognition of "Which Side's" deep and continuing influence on American protest song, there are quotes from Bob Dylan ("Blowin' in the Wind") and Neil Young ("Ohio") towards the end of the arrangement.

    Robert A. Margo

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    Default Re: Florence Reece, "Which Side Are You On?" for solo octave mand

    Fantastic. One of the best things I have heard on the Cafe, nay, on the internet. Thank you!

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    Default Re: Florence Reece, "Which Side Are You On?" for solo octave mand

    Thank you, Franc!
    Robert A. Margo

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    Default Re: Florence Reece, "Which Side Are You On?" for solo octave mand

    Another version of the song can be heard in the new Kronos Quartet recording on Folkways Smithsonian records. A classical string quartet that has done all sorts of music over the years. "Long Time Passing," their cd playings songs associated with Pete Seeger, starting with "Which Side Are you On." Your approach Bob, fits in
    with what they are doing.

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