Search - Sherrill Milnes, William Billings, English Anonymous :: Music of the American Revolution: The Birth of Liberty

A good source of enjoyment and education

F. Behrens | Keene, NH USA | 02/22/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We will never know exactly how these songs sounded when the citizens of Boston were darting black looks to the British regulars on the streets, but I would wager quite a bit that these renditions come pretty close. Of course the "American" accents are an anachronism; but most listeners might be puzzled to hear British accents used for these anti-British songs (with one exception, composed by a British regular!)I have already used selections from this CD to a groups of 3rd and 5th graders and they loved it. So teachers, take note, but be sure they have the words in front of them. A very valuable educational tool that also happens to be a very enjoyable program to hear for its own sake. And as with most New World releases, the annotations alone are worth the price of the product."

Protest Songs of the 1770s

Jeffery S. Anderson | Tigard, Oregon USA | 01/24/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The music that was composed and performed during the American Revolution is presented on this 1 hour CD. Since I was a child, I've enjoyed hearing the drum and fife corps on the Fourth of July and during the Presidential inaugurations, and this CD has several good drum and fife marches. Other selections are 18th century protest songs about taxation ("A taxing we will go...} and British tyranny. There are also some good harpsichord numbers contained on this CD. The musicians are excellent and the sound is clear. I don't know how many common people got to hear music like this during the Revolution, but at least this CD gives the 21st Century listener the opportunity enjoy the "popular" music of 200 years ago. Classical music lovers will enjoy this CD too."

Important work of musical heritage

Jeffery S. Anderson | 02/24/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I fell in love with this CD from the first track.The music of the American Fife Ensamble is stirring, I felt positivly rebelious. The satarical songs based on the tunes "British Grenadires" and "Hearts of Oak" are like the paintings of W. Hogarth set to music. You should have more than a cursory knowledge of the 18th century though, to fully enjoy this CD"