Something New About Gettysburg
J. Rose | Moultonboro, NH USA | 02/15/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A moving work combining narration and beautiful music. The task of bringing something new to the battle of Gettysburg is a daunting one. Mr. Goodman's work has realized that goal brilliantly. From the opening movement, the sense of the ominous events to come is evident. The use of a narrator, speaking the words of a young child, effectively adds dimension to this story. We hear the child move from a sense of excitement and wonder through revulsion to resignation and the music underscores that journey effectively. The second movement describing the build up to the battle with its shades of Ives is wonderful and the heartfelt epilogue to the battle brings home the cost of such insanity better than words could alone.
- Jack Rose, executive director Granite State Symphony Orchestra"
Wonderful New Work
wrongnote | Fargo, ND USA | 12/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In its entirety, Todd Goodman's Symphony No. 1, "The Fields of Crimson," has very much impressed me. In the right state of mind, it can be relaxing ands easy to listen to. While I am not an expert on music, I do know what I like, and in many ways I would place this symphony in a class with the works of Wolfgang Amedeus Mozart.
Symphony No. 1, "Crimson Fields," also reminds me of the sound track from Ken Burn's film "The Civil War," however, Todd's symphony is far better in my opinion. The use of dialogue between the musical selections not only emphasizes the music itself but also adds to the emotions that the music conveys to the listener.
The musical selection, "June 30, 1863," makes you think of a quiet morning and a peaceful military camp whose tranquility is suddenly broken by the sounds of a bugle ringing out "The Assembly." In your mind there is a picture of the troops forming ranks and marching out to do battle. You can also hear and sense the foreboding of the soldiers and the uneasiness of the camp as darkness transcends upon it.
The musical selection, "Day One," conveys the unsettled feeling that has permeated the area surrounding the town of Gettysburg. The random firing of shots in an early morning skirmish. There is also an image that at the end of the day, the troops are fatigued and feel beaten, but they have not lost their drive or will to win. They are more determined than ever to have a good showing in their next battle, whether it be tomorrow or the day after.
In "Day Two," the music starts off by giving you a picture of calmness with just a hint of a seriousness or drive in the air. As the rhythm and volume of the music mounts, the listener becomes aware that reinforcements are being brought up to the battle field. In the case of the Union Army, these reinforcements are being rushed into the line to fill holes created by the various attacks along their lines. The Confederate Army is rushing their reinforcements into the battle to strengthen their attack.
"Day Three" makes the listener realize that something is not quite right. A morbid reality falls across the troops in both the Confederate and Union Armies. As the intensity of this selection rises, a student of history begins to think about the two hour artillery bombardment that occurred at the Battle of Gettysburg and its futility. Towards the end of this selection you realize the enormous loss of lives to both the Union and Confederate Armies and the heavy loss of resources to the Confederacy.
The final selection, "Remembrance," is almost melancholy. It continues to drive home how heavy the losses were to both sides during the Battle of Gettysburg. However, it also makes you realize that you are proud to be an American and are thankful for the freedoms which we enjoy, do to the sacrifices of those individuals who gave their lives not only at the Battle of Gettysburg, but in every war or conflict since that devastating battle.
This work has truly been a pleasure and I would strongly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to attend a performance of this work to do so. I also want to invite anyone who appreciates good music and or history to purchase a copy of Todd Goodman's Symphony No.1, "Crimson Fields". I truly believe that you will be as impressed as I have been with this magnificent work of music."
"Fields of Crimson"
D Lynn Zeller | Cumberland, Maryland United States | 08/18/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The music world is definitely going to hear more from and about this talented young composer."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1