I had the idea last night to put my radio SHARK 2 and Radioshift to good use: recording Obama’s inauguration. My audio started from 11:30 a.m. Eastern and goes through 1:00 p.m., so if there’s any audio in that timespan you’d like [Rick Warren's invocation, Joseph Lowery's benediction, Joe Biden's oath, etc.], I’ll splice it out for you. But I thought that these three cuts symbolized the day.
Some technical notes before I get started:
- These recordings are my own, and are shared under a Creative Commons 2.0 license by geoF:stop media.
- These recordings were made legally, from my understanding of the law, but if this is not your understanding—especially if you work for National Public Radio, or WLRH here in Huntsville [where I am a member], please let me know.
- All photos used for album art were Creative Commons-licensed on Flickr. URLs for the originals are below.
- Click any cover image to download that MP3, or use the audio player below them to stream the audio. I want people to download the audio, and I don’t mind if you share this with your friends. However, please use the links provided so I can track how many downloads I have; right-click to save the full URL, please. [Most times, Web hosts would be cringing at such an offering, but I host myself on a dedicated server I lease. That said, "Do you hear me baby? Hold together."
"Air and Simple Gifts"
I loved this arrangement by John Williams of the old Shaker hymn. The photo I chose for this MP3 was, perhaps, the most striking portrait I saw today: a man watching the inauguration in Times Square.
Photo by Tristan Brand
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[6.6MB, 5:14]
“Oath of Office”
Listen for yourself as Chief Justice John Roberts and President Barack Obama both fumble the Oath of Office!
Photo by jurvetson
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[2MB, 0:55]
“Obama’s Inaugural Address”
I loved BL1961′s “fractalius art portrait” of Obama giving his address:
Photo/Portrait by BL1961
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
[18.6MB, 19:02]
My fellow Americans: whether you voted or not, whether you voted for him or someone else, Barack Obama is our President. This is our country. Let’s work, together, to make it the best America it can be.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! What an incredible coalition of artists for an incredibly fitting work of art! Thank you for your embodiment of the spirit of the day by recording and making these available!
There is Hope!
Happy to do it, Jim. Enjoy.
When I heard and saw this piece being performed yesterday I was in total awe. The expression on President Obama’s face, the tears in my eys and chill bumps on my arms were REAL! What a beautiful work. I’ve been looking on the net to download it. Simply beautiful and so fitting for the historic occasion.
S~
Fantastic.. What a day to be an American.. I was wondering though if it would be at all possible to splice out all of the speech in the composition of “Air and Simple Gifts”.. I have not found a copy yet without commentary and would love to hear it in it’s entirety without disruption.. Thank you..
Hello Geoff, I also would like to thank you for this, (forwarded to me by (I think) by Jim. I did watch on the tube yesterday but this sound is sooooo much better. Reminds me how I felt yesterday watching the television.
Ellin- Mount Washington Valley in NH
Sean: I have a friend who has it without the commentary. I started to cut it to just the piece, but I decided that I wanted it framed as it was heard.
How can I download these awesome clips? Thanks!!!
Thanks Geof!
Geoff – I was hoping to get a copy of the quartet ensemble to play as the opening music for my women’s spirituality discussion tomorrow night. Our theme is the spiritual meaning of patriotism. I am thrilled to have a copy here to set the tone for our discussion. Thank you thank you!
If you want to download “Air and Simple Gifts” without commentary, you can go to kenotic dot net slash audio and get it from there (AirAndSimpleGifts.mp3).