Taps

Taps is a distinctive bugle call and signal, most famously used by the United States Armed Forces to mark the end of the day and at military funerals. Composed of 24 notes, its solemn melody is one of the most universally recognized pieces of military music. The call is used internationally in various commemorative contexts and has become a profound symbol of honor, respect, and final farewell.

History and origins

The most widely accepted origin story dates to July 1862, during the American Civil War, when Union Army Brigadier General Daniel Butterfield and his bugler, Oliver Willcox Norton, adapted an earlier French Army bugle signal known as "Tattoo" or "Extinguish Lights" at Harrison's Landing, Virginia. This revision was intended as a more melodious alternative to the standard "Lights Out" call. While Butterfield is credited with the arrangement, some music historians note similarities to earlier calls like the Scottish tattoo "The Last Post". Its initial use spread quickly among other Union Army units in the Army of the Potomac and was officially adopted by the United States Army by 1874. The name "Taps" is thought to derive from the Dutch term "taptoe", referring to the closing of tavern taps.

Melody and composition

The call is written in diatonic B-flat major and consists of 24 notes played on a bugle or trumpet, instruments limited to the notes of the harmonic series. Its simple, poignant structure is a series of slow, elongated phrases that create a descending melodic contour. The composition does not use the seventh of the harmonic series, giving it a unique, haunting quality distinct from other cavalry calls like "Reveille". The entire call is contained within a single octave, making it easily performable even by novice buglers. Its musical form is often analyzed as an elongated cadence.

Military and ceremonial use

In daily garrison use, Taps is sounded as the final call of the day on military bases, signaling "lights out". Its most solemn duty is as a component of military funeral honors and memorial services for fallen members of the United States Armed Forces, typically performed after the firing of three volleys by a rifle party. It is also played at ceremonies commemorating Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The call is mandated by Department of Defense directives and is performed by members of service bands like the United States Army Band "Pershing's Own". Many Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts also incorporate it into their rituals.

Cultural impact and adaptations

Transcending its military roots, Taps has become an integral part of American civic and cultural life. It is commonly heard at the funerals of U.S. Presidents, NASA memorials for astronauts, and high-profile national tragedies like the September 11 attacks. The melody has been incorporated into numerous musical works, including Charles Ives's "From the Steeples and the Mountains" and films like Steven Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan. It is taught in school music programs across the country and is a standard selection for trumpet soloists. The call's symbolism is echoed in the Taps Monument at Berkeley Plantation, Virginia.

Notable performances and recordings

Notable renditions include the performance by Miles Davis on his album Miles Ahead, arranged by Gil Evans. The United States Marine Band frequently records and performs the call with great ceremony. A profoundly moving performance was given by a lone United States Navy bugler aboard the USS Arizona Memorial during the Pearl Harbor commemoration. During the state funeral of John F. Kennedy, the call was played by Sergeant Major Keith Clark of the United States Army Band, a moment broadcast to a global audience. Renowned classical trumpeter Wynton Marsalis has also featured it in concert programs at Lincoln Center.

Category:Bugle calls Category:American military traditions Category:American Civil War songs Category:Funeral music