Customer Reviews

Stars and Stripes Forever

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

What could have been a great album of patriotic
songs is completely ruined because of brutal
editing and may I even say deception. I almost
never return a CD, but I returned this one. And
sadly because I found the sound quality very good.
Both on the outside track listings and on the inside
pullout, there is no mention that the tracks are
excerpts. Most leave out entire strains or repeats.
But the worst offense has to be the "1812 Overture".
I was excited to be purchasing an album with this
on it. But what I got was not even excerpts from
this piece. "excerpts from" usually implies that
a specific movement is presented. But this piece
is totally mutilated. Three measures are played,
five measures are omitted, two more measures are
played, etc. If Tchaikovsky were around he'd have
good cause for a lawsuit. Pleeeaasse, don't support
a product that does injustice to the composers and
does not truthfully describe the product's contents!!!

Though the first thing that I noticed while listening to this CD was the poor tonal quality of the recording, what I was most disappointed with was the overall lack of tempo in nearly every piece. To quote my husband, "It's supposed to be a marching band, not a strolling band!" Also a few of the pieces are really excerpts and not the entire piece, not good excerpts at that.

This is a great compilation of U.S. anthems. When you listen to this, you feel like you're in the middle of a July 4th parade or something. It's amazing.

I completely agree with the two pans by the reviewers above -- the arrangements are completely inappropriate for the music. These pieces should be sprightly and upbeat -- instead they are schmaltzy and lethargic.

I wanted a CD with patriotic songs I had heard growing up. And that is what I got. Not Orchestral arrangements or medley's. And this is what I got. Familier tunes played just the way I remember them. I'm glad I ordered this CD.

If you love America, what it truly stands for and enjoy patriotic music played by an orchestra, then this is a must have CD for your collection. Think of the United States Flag...Red symbolizes Hardiness and Valor, White symbolizes Purity and Innonence and Blue represents Vigilance, Perserverance and Justice...God bless America...Happy 4ty of July!!!!

After reviewing most if not all patriotic music on Amazon.com, this was the sole CD that contains the most spirited instrumental music and the least dry, old, and hokey ones. I was looking for one that had no vocals in it. I couldn't find one. This has one or two. Even so, I believe that this is most worthy of being played during a fireworks display. Now I cannot wait for July 4th!

Excellent turn around in getting the product. Very quick in response time. Good product.

Thanks Again,

Peter

As a music teacher, I'm wondering about the very critical reviews about this CD. What ARE they thinking? You are supposed to MARCH to these songs - not run to them! I hear great intonation and suitable tempos to this music. The phrasing is crisp and the rhythms precise. As to taking liberties with 1812, even the master composers did similar practices. The music "flows." This is a patriotic album that you will enjoy!

This CD is a great collection of classic American tunes. Listening to it really makes you proud to be an American and it puts you in a patriotic mood.

I strongly disagree with some of the other reviews here and I found the quality to be great, along with the selection of songs. BUY THIS CD. YOU WON'T BE SORRY!!