From School Library Journal
Gr 5 Up-This collection of 22 selections from the colonial era features instrumental and vocal music as well as a few spoken readings. The songs are about many aspects of the colonial experience, including the rigors of establishing a life in the New World, religious music, love songs, political satire and revolutionary songs. The selections reflect the cultural and musical diversity of colonial America, with songs in French and Dutch, readings from a Native American and an African slave, and a Spanish fandango tune. Although one song uses the tune from "Yankee Doodle," the other songs are much less familiar and will be new to most listeners. There are several dance tunes, with instructions on how to do the dances in the accompanying booklet. The booklet also provides background about and the lyrics to each selection, as well as chapter notes, a list of other recordings and a bibliography of Internet addresses for interactive sites about colonial America. These songs have been carefully authenticated and were recorded using period instruments, allowing listeners to have a good sense of how music sounded during colonial times. Both singing and instrumental performances are very good, as is the sound reproduction. This compilation could be used for student projects or in history and music classes at any educational level, making it a good purchase for school libraries.-Mary Mueller, Rolla Junior High School, MO
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
