The Civil War (1998 Studio Cast)

Comment: Several years ago, I just happened to catch the performance of the cast of 'The Civil War' on the 'Tony Awards' broadcast... I was hooked. And, when I say 'hooked', I mean I went out searching for this soundtrack (and they happened at to have a copy at our local music store), and tried to find out as much as I could about the cast and the show. Sadly, the show had closed already (and it would be a few years before I was able to travel to New York City anyway), and I would never get a chance to see it. Still, the CD is amazing. Through the songs, the listeners can feel the sadness and strife of the time. I just wish I had had a chance to see the play.

Comment: It may not have worked as a book musical, but as a concept album, it's the best thing Frank Wildhorn has ever written. None of these Broadway singers immitating pop. It sounds exactly like country-rock hits you would hear on the radio. All the songs are really catchy and moving mix of country-rock and vocal. The best songs are "Virginia" and "Judgement Day." Maya Angelou's voice is perfect for the speeches. Hootie & The Blowfish are perfect for "Freedom's Child." I've never heard a score this dense with tuneful music since Les Miserables. Hard to believe it only played a few months on Broadway. You will be addicted to this music and you can write that down.

Comment: Taking a serious subject like the US Civil War and turning it into a musical was a giant leap of faith. Turning the most pivotal element of our history into entertainment could have been a disaster. Instead the lyrics and music bring to life the extreme trauma and hardships caused by this major event in our history.

When you consider that in a country (in 1856) with a total population of 30 million people, the deaths on both sides, North and South (All Americans) numbered over 650,000. This would be the equivalent today of over 6 million deaths in a war. I doubt if our country could ever be willing to make this level of sacrifice for whatever cause in the future. It is a sobering thought and we should all be thankful for the sacrifices made by an entire generation.

Comment: I bought this because I thoroughly enjoy Frank Wildhorn's work. It is somewhat true to what one would expect from the creator of The Scarlet Pimpernel and Jekyl and Hyde but mostly it is a completely independent experience. My biggest complaint was that I am not a country music fan and Civil War is full of it. All in all I would say this is a stirring, unique and surprising oratorio from Frank Wildhorn who shows some greater depth in research yet lesser depth in composition.

Comment: The civil war cd was so amazing, i felt like i was back at the show.thanks Kay