The Forge of Freedom

George Washington and the Continental Armys withdrawal from Philadelphia to Valley Forge was one of the darkest chapters of the Revolutionary War. The demoralized mood of the troops is conveyed by the Revolutionary-era hymn Chester in a minor setting. A tempo change ushers in a new spirit as the Continental Army perseveres through the harsh winter and becomes a hardened fighting force. Finally, Chester is triumphantly presented in a major key as the now-formidable army emerges, ready to take up the fight and secure Americas independence.