Customer Reviews

How The West Was Lost, Volume 2 (1993 TV Documentary Series)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This soundtrack from the series 'How the West Was Lost' evokes a time when descendents of the Europeans pushed the native peoples onto (what was then perceived as) the least desirable plots of land. This soundtrack introduced me to the haunting sounds of Kater/Nakai....beautiful!

Although the music for the 1993 PBS production of "How The West Was Lost" is 10-years-old, it still stands up as a wonderful companion to the series. The music is still haunting, sad and poignant.

Although I heartily recommend watching the series on rebroadcast, this CD should be a great place to start to understand Native American culture. While not authentic in the sense of music used for ceremonial purposes on the tribal lands, it does give one the sense of heartache and stuggle the Natives endured during America's Manifest Destiny.

The opening music sets the stage followed by pieces of quiet comtemplation. Once can easily think of cinematic scenes from "Dances With Wolves" while listening to this music.
The music is also reminiscent of the series in that you can follow the history of the Native tribes from their first encounter with the new Americans to the poverty life on the reservations.

Probably the most stunning piece is "Dance of the North," which features some evocative vocals and a quietness that easily tugs at the soul. It is filled with both despair as well as hope. Truly an inspired piece.

If you do get a chance to purchase this gem, do so. With flute music by R. Carlos Nakai and melodies that pulls at your emotions, you will find this CD to be a great treasure in your collection.

With a total of 24 tracks and a variety of moods (mostly sadness), this collection of songs for the documentary mini-series "How the West Was Lost" will hypnotize you with its powerful spell. Peter Kater, one of instrumental music's finest keyboardists, dominates this album with his piano, but there is also a perfect sprinkling of traditional Native American influences (which give an authentic feel to the soundtrack). R. Carlos Nakai's diversity with such instruments as whistles, rattles, chants, and the Native American flute are sprinkled through the album, providing various mood changes that take you through this musical journey. Definitely worth buying and repeated listening. I particularly recommend buying the 2-disc set-with both volumes included.

... you can't stay without the second one.
It's really appreciable, with some pieces which are tormenting.
But then, if you are a deep thinker, you'll love it.

This is an excellent blend of modern and traditional music. This cannot be considered "cheerful" by any means, but it is deeply contemplative and spiritual.

Being part Lakota myself, having the video series on VHS and Vol 1 @ 2 of the soundtrack on audio cassette, the general mood of the music fits the theme perfectly. Such a tragedy of broken promises and treaties, stealing of a 10,000 year old culture and religion, to say nothing of being forced to give up their language, culture, environment, and getting nothing in return except Smallpox, measles, chickenpox, syphilis, gonorrhea, worthless land, etc., sometimes the white in me is ashamed

Like volume 1, this is a great CD for meditation or just relaxing.