Perhaps some classical music can soothe a political scandal. William Schuman's George Washington Bridge has been a favorite of concert band directors since its premiere in 1950.
In a program note for the piece, Schuman wrote: "There are few days in the year when I do not see the George Washington Bridge....Ever since my student days when I watched the progress of its construction, this bridge has had for me an almost human personality, and this personality is astonishingly varied, assuming different moods depending on the time of day or night, the weather, the traffic and, of course, my own mood as I pass by.
"I have walked across it late at night when it was shrouded in fog, and during the brilliant sunshine hours of midday. I have driven over it countless times and passed under it on boats. Coming to New York City by air, sometimes I have been lucky enough to fly right over it. It is difficult to imagine a more gracious welcome or dramatic entry to the great metropolis."
Listen to a performance (hat tip: American Symphony Orchestra):
