The Civil War - Traditional American Songs And Instrumental Music Featured In The Film By Ken Burns: Original Soundtrack Recording Review

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The Civil War - Traditional American Songs And Instrumental Music Featured In The Film By Ken Burns: Original Soundtrack Recording ReviewWhen I watched The Civil War, Ken Burns' epic documentary, on PBS 13 years ago, I was not only moved by the mix of period paintings, photographs, voiceovers by great actors and David McCullough's wonderful narration, but I was captivated by the music in the soundtrack. From the poignant "Ashokan Farewell" (the signature theme of the film) to a beautiful choral presentation of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," the songs and military marches from the period added their powerful emotional content to an already engrossing television event.
The Civil War: Traditional American Songs and Instrumental Music Featured in the Film By Ken Burns is a treasure trove of musical gold. Its 28 tracks contain almost a full hour of military marches ("Parade," "Bonnie Blue Flag," "Palmyra Scottische"), sentimental songs ("Lorena," "Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier") and patriotic songs ("Dixie," "The Battle Cry of Freedom") that were popular in both North and South in the 1860s.
Of course, the track most listeners associate with both the documentary is the haunting "Ashokan Farewell," composed by Jay Ungar and performed by Ungar with Evan Stover, Matt Glaser, Molly Mason and Russ Barenger. It is a beautiful modern folk composition (originally heard in Fiddle Fever's "Waltz of the Wind" album) that reflects the tragic split between North and South that resulted in America's ugliest and bloodiest war. It is presented twice on this album, first in its entirety (track 3) and closes the CD along with a reading of Sullivan Ballou's last letter to his wife shortly before his death at the first battle of Bull Run.
What strikes me after all these years is the creativity and care taken by the producers to make this a worthwhile listening experience. While some of the marches and patriotic songs are played by bands with brass and percussion instruments, others are played to great effect by unexpected instruments. "The Battle Cry of Freedom," one of the great marching songs in the Northern repertoire and normally performed bombastically by bands or choruses, is played here by pianist Jacqueline Schwab with delicate sensibility and simplicity. In a similar vein, "Marching Through Georgia" is heard as both a triumphant fiddle romp performed by Fiddle Fever to underscore the mood of Sherman's army, then it is a lament played mournfully by pianist Schwab to reflect the feelings of loss and defeat by Georgians caught in the path of the "March to the Sea." It is a devastatingly effective use of music, and it draws the listener's ears, heart and mind into the drama and tragedy of the Civil War era.The Civil War - Traditional American Songs And Instrumental Music Featured In The Film By Ken Burns: Original Soundtrack Recording Overview

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