Taps, played from the horn and heart of a child

Excerpt from Andre Rieu’s concert during the World Stadium Tour in Amsterdam Arena, the Netherlands, on 28 June 2008.


Amazingly beautiful .. Melissa Venema, age 13, is the trumpet soloist.

Here is “Taps” played in its entirety.

The Original version of ‘Taps’ was called ‘Last Post’, and was written by Daniel Butterfield in 1801.

It was rather lengthy and formal, as you will hear in this clip, so in 1862 it was shortened to 24 notes and re-named ‘Taps’.

Melissa Venema is playing it on a trumpet whereby the original was played on a bugle.



Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,
May the soldier or sailor,
God keep.
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep.

Love, good night, Must thou go,
When the day, And the night
Need thee so?
All is well. Speedeth all
To their rest.

Fades the light; And afar
Goeth day, And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well; Day has gone,
Night is on.

Thanks and praise, For our days,
‘Neath the sun, Neath the stars,
‘Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.