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Today, our music selections have a focus on historical importance, specifically music made about or by important historical figures. 

Hamilton made its debut on Broadway in 2015 and was well received. The story follows one of the nations founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton, through his journey from immigrant to prominent political leader to his eventual death. The musical consists mostly of hip-hop and rap music, with the exception of the songs sung by the British loyalists. One such song is sung by King George, and is entitled You’ll Be Back.  

You’ll Be Back - Hamilton Original Cast

The next piece is just as historically charged as Hamilton, as it was written by King Henry VIII (arranged for brass ensemble by Philip Jones). The suite is entitled Rose Without a Thorn, and falls very much in the style of the renaissance music in which it was released.

Rose Without a Thorn, George VIII, arr. Philip Jones