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

When 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...Read more

While visiting relatives in Virginia and spending a moving day on the battle field of First Manassas (or Bull Run if you prefer) my interest in the Civil War was well and truly sparked. I had heard so much about the film of the war by Ken Burns that when it became available in England (only in late 1999) I bought it on video. Purchasing this CD was the next step. Ken Burns himself suggests that "Music, songs are a kind of glue that holds our history together and binds the present with the past to form out most important memories." This recording does exactly that, it enables the listener to gain an insight into the musical sounds of the war and by doing so to understand at a deeper level the motivations behind it. There is a wide representation of styles from the spiritual to the march from simple acoustic guitar to the lamenting fiddle. For most people who know the Burns film `Ashokan Farewell' quite rightly stands out. The music is beautiful in itself but when it is...Read more

There's a fair chance this CD's sales will spike every time PBS shows Ken Burn's film.

Why? It is great music, most of which can only be heard on indie internet radio folk and bluegrass stations. Maybe you can hear a cut or two on your community college public radio station, or played a more sophisticated DJ.

But, thanks to Burns, the TV-watching world is exposed to "We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder" and classics like, "When Johnny Comes Marching Home." You might know some of these tunes from way back when, but more than likely, they are new.

I've thoroughly enjoyed this music, and found Burn's presentation of it in his mini-series documentary well done.

I fully recommend "The Civil War." Billboard hits long before there was Billboard.

Anthony Trendl