Original TV Soundtrack - The War: A Ken Burns Film
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Free Music Notes for The War: A Ken Burns Film
Free Music Review: A multi-disc box set with as wide a sweep as the film itself
Hit: 5 Stars
This 4-CD box set is offered as a companion to Ken Burns' emotionally sweeping, 15-hour epic, a powerful documentary that explores American participation in World War Two, which lasted from 1939-1945, with America entering the war in 1941, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Like the film, the box set's reach is broad, yet its tone is intimate, gathering some of the best music of the WWII years, as well as new music written to commemorate the era.
There are four discs total, each with a different theme. The first is the official soundtrack to the film, a mix of golden oldies (Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Nat King Cole, etc.) along with powerful new incidental music composed by jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and contemporaries such as Yo-Yo Ma and Joshua Bell.
The second disc features slower big band ballads and pop vocal tunes, while the third CD picks up the tempo and swings, presenting big dance hits such as "Frenesi," "Sing Sing Sing," "Sheik Of Araby" and "Tuxedo Junction." Many of the best dance leaders of the era are represented -- Basie, Ellington, Goodman, Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey and Charlie Barnet, to name a few. Although there are plenty of artists and hit songs that could also have been included, like the film itself, the music box had to draw a line somewhere. Mostly what we get are the biggest hits, the iconic songs that still echo through our popular culture, even after the waves of pop, rock, R&B and rap that came in their wake. It's a strong introduction to the music of the swing era, and can serve as a springboard into deeper explorations of the style.
The fourth CD reflects the lingering prominence of classical music and "highbrow" music in American culture in the 1930s and '40s, and the emergence of new, uniquely American voices such as Aaron Copland, who created a very different style of "Americana" music than what we enjoy today. Some of the music seems chosen for its dramatic effect -- again, mirroring the cataclysmic events of the Second World War -- and some for its historical and cross-cultural significance, Benny Goodman performing in Copland's "Concerto For Clarinet, Strings, Harp and Piano," for example. All in all, this set evokes a bygone era when geopolitical lines were thrown to the wind like so many pick-up sticks, and popular culture was exploding as well, with old divisions being eroded and new patterns being drawn. In the off hours between episodes, this music can help as you digest the emotional and intellectual impact of Ken Burns' magnificent documentary. The enclosed written materials help explain the film, while the music helps us feel the pulse of the past. (DJ Joe Sixpack)
Free Music Review: American Anthem
Hit: 5 Stars
Ken Burns has created yet another master piece of documentary film. No less so is the music chosen for this film. My favorite is "American Anthem" sung by Norah Jones. I had to listen to the song over and over to finally get the lyrics. Any mistakes in the lyrics are due entirely to me. For anyone interested, here it is:
"All we've been given, by those who came before,
The dream of a nation, where freedom would endure.
The work and prayers of centuries, have brought us to this day.
What shall be our legacy, what will our children say?
Let them say of me, I was one who believed in sharing the blessings, I received.
Let me know in my heart, when my days are through,
America, America, I gave my best to you.
Each generation from the plains to distant shores.
With the gifts they were given, were determined to leave more.
Battles fought together, acts of conscience fought alone.
These are the seeds, from which America has grown.
Let them say of me, I was one who believed in sharing the blessings, I received.
Let me know in my heart, when my days are through.
America, America, I gave my best to you.
For those who think they have nothing to share,
Who feel in their hearts there is no hero there,
Know each quiet act of dignity is that which fortifies,
The soul of a nation, that will never die.
Let them say of me, I was one who believed in sharing the blessings, I received.
Let me know in my heart, when my days are through,
America, America, I gave my best to you.
This song is haltingly beautiful and wonderful. If I could, I would vote to make this song the new national anthem.
Free Music Review: A Touching, Haunting Score
Hit: 5 Stars
This soundtrack for Ken Burn's "The War" documentary can be evaluated on two different criteria:
First, there is the period music (mostly jazz). I did not buy the soundtrack for this reason, but for those older than I it will likely bring back many great memories of times gone by.
Secondly, however, there are the haunting melodies that are the undercurrent of the entire film. Whether it be the soothing voice of Norah Jones, the aching violin, or the soft, solo piano, this soundtrack perfectly blends the music to fit the tone of the material. Each time I listen to these tracks, it makes me remember watching the film, along with all the sadness and joy that came with that experience.
If you enjoyed "The War", you will more than likely also enjoy this collection of songs.
Free Music Review: just great
Hit: 5 Stars
I purchased the cd collection of the music from "The War" this month as it was the perfect companion to the film. I really think the music enhanced the experience and it fit well. The big band music of the era evoked memories of my mothers childhood and the stories that she shared with my sisters and me about the war. Nora Jones haunting american anthem is a classic and contrast to the somber funeral of falstaff. I feel that the entire project is the best american documentary I have seen.
J.W. Larrick
Free Music Review: What about the Elgar?
Hit: 5 Stars
All of the music is top notch. However, no one is mentioning the lovely, plaintive piano rendition of the Elgar variation. In the film, this is often the backdrop to the times when the dead are remembered. This piece alone made the experience of watching and listening meaningful.
More Free Music Notes:
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