Jay Ungar and Molly Mason Perform 'Ashokan Farewell'

Jay Ungar and Molly Mason perform Ungar's song "Ashokan Farewell."

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Articulate connects audiences to the human stories behind art, offering a trustworthy, visually stimulating, never ordinary take on classical, contemporary, and popular art forms. From acclaimed musicians and best-selling authors to designers changing the way we live, each episode explores what great creative thinkers and doers can tell us about who we are, who we’ve been, and who we might become.

A production of Articulate Studios for The Articulate Foundation, Articulate is co-produced and presented by PBS39, Lehigh Valley’s PBS station, and distributed by American Public Television (APT).

[ambu]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written. My Great Great Grandfather lost his life in the Civil War on December 31, 1962 at the Battle of Stones River. I think about how he must have felt at that time when I hear this song.

[Sparks]

If ever a song took me back in time, this was it. Stumbling on this by the guy who
wrote this timeless classic and being accompanied by Molly Mason is pure gold.

[Deribinkle]

Jay and Molly, I never tire of listening to this. Each and every time it brings tears to my eyes. Thank you for this beautiful and solemn melody.

[thomast]

"Sarah, do not mourn me dear; think I am gone, and wait for me, for we shall meet again." - Taken from Major Sullivan Ballou's last letter to his wife, written a week before he fell at First Bull Run, July 1861.

[TeriCapuano]

I learned how to play violin BECAUSE of THIS SONG. I love it and these two wonderful people for creating it. Thank you 🙏

[kwidder]

I wonder how many times they have played this in their lives. It never gets old.

[Robconnors]

Beautiful song. I live along The Ashoken Reservoir in the Catskills Mountains ⛰️

[tammibasso]

I heard this wonderful song for the first time watching Ken Burns debut episodes of the Civil War on PBS in 1990. At the time I remember thinking I wonder what 19th century song this is that I’m hearing it’s absolutely beautiful and so haunting and fits this tragic story so well. It wasn’t until many years later that I learned it was a contemporary piece of music And it was written by Jay Unger and Molly Mason. I can imagine they probably played this song 1 million times because of the emotional impact it has on others not necessarily themselves. But I’m so glad they wrote this masterpiece that I will always associate with the civil war and the tragedy that gripped our nation in the mid 19th century. Of course too it will always be associated with Sullivan and Sarah Ballou. What a great artistic decision Ken Burns made to play it while reading the last letter that Sullivan wrote to Sarah professing his “deathless love” for her thank you Jay and Molly for writing such a moving piece of music.

[herondelatorre]

This song will forever be remembered as the theme song to Ken Burn's PBS Documentary The Civil War.

[markgreen]

One of most beautiful songs- ever. Period.

[jamnee]

My eyes are tearing, this music is so beautiful. I remember it in the Ken Burn's Civil War series which has always moved me.

[donnakearse]

I love this sweet song. The civil war is my most loved era in history. When you red their letters to each other the gentile way they spoke was so endearing and careful. Thank you for this beautiful rendition of this sonnet. ❤

[judychamberlain]

Beautiful song, just had it played at the end of my mom's funeral service. Reminds me so much of my Dad and Pa-pa's style. They have both passed as well. Hope the tune is etched in my children and grandchildren's memories. Thank-you Mr Ungar and Ms Mason for being a part of a most memorable time in all of our lives.
In loving memory of Maxine. ♥️

[SaunieHolloway]

This song always hits me right in the feels❤. Thank you, Molly and Jay, for this beautiful tune.

[warrenhuff]

A marvelous tune and beautifully played by both!

[MrVerno]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written.

[haroldobrien]

Every time I come across this song, I can't resist hearing it through and thinking of the Sullivan Ballou segment.

[ruthiemay]

Tears of sorrow and heartbreak 💔 as I remember what our own citizens did to one another... 😢😢😢

[coyotecreekblues]

Such a beautiful fiddle tune. It just stays with you long after you hear it.

[pjones]

my wife and i love this song and especially lovers waltz. she played the violin and i the guitar. but i could not keep good count. we both started playing when we were about 63. my wife played lovers waltz at her recital and i recorded it. she passed away in 2021 from pan cancer. i will always miss having het near but her love is in my heart forever. it is hard to play the lovers waltz recording but it brings back wonderful memories. thank you both so much.