The Music of Battle
F. S. L'hoir | Irvine, CA | 06/10/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I discovered these gems of Americana (on cassette tape) when I was visiting the Pea Ridge Civil War Battlefield in Arkansas (both the songs of the CSA and the Union Army). I was delighted to find the CD. The songs provide a poignant glimpse into the human factor of the unimaginable war that shattered our country. They are especially valuable for gaining insight into the rhetoric of both sides. This particular volume ranges from the jingoistic "To Arms for Dixie" of the early part of the war to the bitter lament "Oh, I'm a Good Old Rebel" at the end of the conflict. The Confederate lyrics to "My Maryland" are particularly interesting as far as point of view is concerned: "The Despot's Heel is On Thy Shore!" And the jollity of "'Twas at the Siege of Vicksburg" [to the tune of "Listen to the Mockingbird"] masks an underlying horror of "Listen to the Minie Balls/Parrot Shells"--the lethal missiles of the time. "Lorena" recalls the nostalgia of soldiers on the battlefield, longing for home. My favorite is "All Quiet Along the Potomac Tonight,"--a song that was popular on both sides. The lyrics coupled with the melody are haunting. One of the most catching songs, however, is "Long Ago," written by a Civil War veteran. Its melody will linger in your mind long after the CD comes to an end.
Bobby Horton has a pleasant voice, and he is accompanied by various instruments of the time, guitar, fiddle, dulcimer, harmonica, and sometimes trumpets. The simplicity of his renditions have a genuine sound of the era. These CDs, in fact, would make an excellent teaching tool for a US History course (with an effective instructor). In one of the most exciting classes I ever had on World War I, the Professor gave no lecture; he merely had us walk in and look at posters from both sides--and listen to the music. Nothing brings out the ghastly absurdity of war as much as the music that accompanies soldiers into battle--nothing, perhaps, except for the tranquility of the deserted Civil War battlefields."
Great CD
student of psychology | Louisiana | 11/28/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Beautiful music! Had some folk songs that I was not familiar with, but they were great!"
