Another comment from an 88 year old Great Grandmother. I have played the video six times today. It touches the heart.

Ever since I first heard this melody as a recurring theme in Ken Burns’ Civil War series, it has haunted and charmed me. It’s almost as if the song itself never quite wants to end. ❤

I watched the Civil War series and fell in love with this tune… now I’ve heard swords put to it that finish the job. I am an Englishman yet feel hugely moved reading and learning about your civil war.

I had no idea Ashokan Farewell had words!! It's one of my favorite songs.

One of the most beautiful pieces of music of the modern era

Ashokan Farewell is a late 20th century composition in the style of a Scottish lament about the end of a summer music camp in upstate New York by a Jewish guy from the Bronx (Jay Unger) that today is often thought to be a Civil War song thanks to Ken Burns' documentary on the Civil War. And it is a hauntingly beautiful rendition.:)

The lyrics add a lot. I know that it isn't from the actual Civil War era but it's hard to imagine a song fitting it better. It's all about treasuring the last moments before parting, and knowing that what comes next is probably going to suck, and all you're going to have to dream about is the last time things were good.

Je suis Français et je vibre à cette merveilleuse mélodie, probablement l'un des plus beaux morceaux jamais écrit de mémoire d'Homme ! Simplement merci.

I use to play in a Celtic Folk Group. We played this and it was one of my favorites. I first heard it from Ken Burns' civil war films and fell in love with it. Chris, you have done an outstanding job with it. You're a blessing.

My late brother introduced this to me, It is such a beautiful tune, performed by Jay and Molly! Such a wonderful sound, a joy that never fails to bring thoughts of how much he loved this particular song. Jay, the whole world loves your creation!

All I hear is music to my late brother's funeral, and now it reminds me of my mom who passes less than 6 years later. What a sad cruel life.

It’s nice to see that younger people are keeping this music alive. Great job!

the story behind the song is unbelievable......leaving a summer camp? wow

Wow! ...blown away. This is stunningly beautiful! Loved it! Thank you!

Wow! Wow! My absolute favorite so far. So rich, so warm to the feel. Strong vibes of Aaron Copland, simple folk songs, and any number of other influences. But, boy, do they all combine for a magnificent performance by all involved. Literally bowled me over!!!!

I think the men of 1861 - 1865 would have loved this song. First time hearing the words to it.

this was played at my dad's funeral. miss him everyday

This is so incredibly beautiful. The way the violin and your voice combine - just magic.

OMG! This is so beautiful! It’s hard to find words good enough to describe it. Chris’s sweet, clear voice suits this song perfectly.

Lovely outdoor setting and so happy to have the words. Thank you!

First time I've heard the lyrics. Magnificent performance by both artists.

Oh my gosh Chris!!! I was mesmerized watching and listening to this! So darn beautiful!!! This is one of my favorites for sure!!! Vocals are amazing and the violin was superb!!! Loved it!

Beautiful people and beautiful music

Beautifully done. I put off listenfor a long time, because the instrumental piece is so important to me. I'm glad I finally did. The violinist is excellent, but your voice is just exceptional.

I am very much in love with this, Chris. As I mentioned when watching the preview, it reminds me of my Mom, who was a wonderful violinist. She passed away in 2014. I recently uploaded a very unprofessional video, but a precious one, of her very last "concert," at our church, when she was 85 years old. I grew up with so many memories of beautiful violin music. Melissa plays in a very similar manner to my mom's style. Your voice blends beautifully with the violin and the gorgeous setting, as well. Thank you both very much.

Hauntingly nostalgic. I just discovered it today ! Greetings from Australia !

This is a truely beautiful video. So beautiful on the violin and such a beautiful setting. Also, the singer did a sterling job.

I have been playing this melody for nearly on 20yrs. My friend on fiddle, another on accordion plus mandolin and guitar. But now I'll have to find those lyrics. This was such a good find. Thank you so much.

Oh the talent in this video! The two of you are so great together.

Beautiful vocal rendition of this magnificent song!!!

Absolutely magical, fantastic rendition of a beautiful song!!

This song always makes me melancholy but I love it anyway, have for years. Never knew it had such beautiful lyrics, though. Great job!

This is so beautiful! I thought I didn`t like violin but with the wonderful "Chris Rupp sound" it makes my heart light!

The best rendition l’ve listened for this elegantly sorrowful melody devoted for the American Civil War. My mind goes beyond this and lament on somany

Absolutely beautiful... My ex Nick RIP and another fiddler friend Paul RIP last week used to play this tune. During research found the lyrics and then this version...shared on Facebook x

OMG Chris! I didn't know you could also make yourself sound like a cello! Truly amazing, mesmerizing and downright awesome! I LOVED this one - well I love all your songs, but this one got to me tonight! Beautiful violinist, she's awesome too! Great job all around! God bless!

Beautiful!

the most beautiful i've ever heard thank you

Wow! I am in awe of your talent. Thank you for sharing.

Absolutely my favorite performance of this beautiful song!!!!!

Absolutely beautiful. Such a sweeet rendition of this classic. Thankyou.

Absolutely beautiful! Thank you!

So beautiful!!

Hauntingly Beautiful

Chris and his beautiful voice always impress.

Beautiful! Learning this one! 🙌🏻

Best song ever.

So beautiful. ❤

Will go down as one of my favorite videos, thank you, beautifully done.

My favorite tune. Beautifully done. THANK YOU

Absolutely love this!!!

Thanks for posting this wonderful video! Great performances, and excellent videography.

Absolutely beautiful and very beautifully done!!👏👏👍👍🛐🛐🛐✝️✝️✝️🌹🌹🌹❤️❤️❤️💓💓💗💗💗💕💕🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🗄🎆🎆🌄🕎🔯

I may have commented before when i last saw this but by god this is amazing

This is really beautiful, Chris and Melissa. The wide octave range required to sing this melody is well met with your lovely clear voice.

This was the first choir song I learned

So beautiful.

Beautiful song!

Lovely renditi9n. One of my favourite melodies. Don't know where the words came from but they fit well.

Thank you for such a beautiful version. Your singing the lyrics is absolutely enhancing the music!

As a kid, knowing this song at the age I am makes me feel like it's gonna stick with me forever. This is beautiful! Hauntingly beautiful.

I've heard several sets of lyrics set to this music. This is the best of them. Good work!

Always with the calm, soothing music. Thany You Chris.

I cry every time I hear this song.

❤❤❤love it. Never knew there were lyrics. So glad I could hear this. So beautiful.

smooth as glass..

KZfaq allows us to stumble upon work that will stay with us for years to come, sometimes forever. Andre Rieu's work with Mirusia on Time to say goodbye, and he again with Carmen Monarcha with the Habanera are amongst my favourites with this newly found meaningful work. Though I must admit to being moved by Scott McKenzie's San Francisco, I guess i see in it 'our opportunity lost.

The sun is sinking low In the sky above Ashokan The pines and the willows Know soon we will part There's a whisper in the wind Of promises unspoken And a love that will always Remain in my heart My thoughts will return To the sound of your laughter The magic of moving as one And a time we'll remember Long ever after The moonlight and music And dancing are done Will every song we've sung Stay with us forever? Will you dance in my dreams Or my arms until then? Under the moon The mountains lie sleeping Over the lake stars shine They wonder if you and I Will be keeping The magic of music Or leave them behind Ooooooh Farewell Mmmmm

That was beautiful

While to was said two years ago, incredibly beautiful. Found only after to an interview with Ken Burns in 2021

Beautiful I can play this song but I could not have done it any better you sound amazing.

Priceless melody

What a beautiful song, and your voice has done it justice. Well done Chris.

Beautiful - I shed tears

Wow.......what a touching song !!!!

Many thanks for the subtitles.

Definitely the best interpretation and rendition of this song that I have heard. Thank you ❤

Absolutely beautiful never knew that thre were words to it 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️❤️

Love this so much Chris ❤️!!!! Thanks 😊 ❤️

😢!!! Beautiful!

I shivered.

Absolutely beautiful ❤

LOVEEE!!

Well done .

Beautiful well done

A while ago I had a US History class and when we got on the topic of the Civil War this song always and I mean ALWAYS played in the intro and credits of all 7 MOVIES we watched on the era, except it had no lyrics. Us high schoolers got really tired of the song, and I joked with the girl I had a crush on that if that stupid song plays again as the intro then I might flip a table. Of course it always played again and again and then I died of laughter from it, but I always found the song sweet no matter how annoying the repition was. Fast forward a few weeks and its a week before our Junior Prom. I confess to the girl I had a crush that I loved her and wanted to travel the world with her, and she felt the same! We decided a week prior to go to prom together, but now that we're dating, it made us look forward to it that much more 😊 Just 3 days before prom, just 4 days into our relationship when we planned out our college and future together, she tragically passed away from a car accident. The heartbreak and grief that followed hurt unbearingly. Flash forward 6 months to today, I never new Ashokan Farewell had lyrics, but it means that much more. The song represented to me the time I had with her since I met her in that history class, but the lyrics hit close to home and got me crying hard. I really really miss her, but I thank you for showing me this beautiful piece with lyrics added on. Im thinking on singing this at my wedding with whoever my next partner is to honor her. We'll see, and thank and God bless you guys ❤

Made me cry like a baby

Absolutely beautiful and very beautifully done,,❤️👍🕎✝️🌹👏💕💓🇺🇸☸️☦️💞☮️🛐✋💗🔯✡️

How absolutely beautiful ❤❤

What great singing.

WOW!

Lovely.

BRAVO

That was beautiful, Chris.

Beautiful and thanks for sharing

Good luck singing along with him.

Thanks so very much for sharing

Awesome! Ever since I discovered it had lyrics I I've heard it as a girl's song and, but this guy changed my mind. Great production.

That was the beautiful

brilliant