Under the Big Top: 100 Years of Circus Music

Great American Main Street Band (Artist), Traditional/various (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 19, 1993)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Angel Records
• ASIN: B000002SKA
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,185 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #34 in Music > Miscellaneous > Marches

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars just like being there, September 26, 2005

By 

David A. Simonson (Phoenix, AZ USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Under the Big Top: 100 Years of Circus Music (Audio CD)

This group of performers is smaller and more intimate than the Eastman Wind Ensemble which recorded "Screamers," and therefore feels more like part of a smaller circus traveling the backroads, and performing at schools or in church parking lots. The musical content is just as well done, and just as pleasing. It makes a great compliment to "Screamers."

What a treasure of old style, authentic Americana this music presents. If you haven't been to this smaller type of circus in person, you've certainly seen it in the movies. And this puts you right in the front row. The liner notes are great, as you can picture the sequence of the performers; from their grand entrance, to the finale, with the clowns slipping in here and there.

Wonderful music. I am very happy that I now own it. And I become happier each time I listen to it!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great cd!, February 25, 2006

By 

K. McMullen (USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Under the Big Top: 100 Years of Circus Music (Audio CD)

I ordered this so that I could use it at a circus-themed birthday party for one of my friends, and I am absolutely crazy about it! Even before it arrived, I became addicted to the songs; I would get on here and listen to the samples almost every day. After it arrived, not only was I delighted to find that the cd is great quality, but I was also delighted to discover just how great the musicianship is! One of my favorite features is that the little leaflet tells which songs are traditionally played with what kinds of acts, and as I listened, I was amazed at how fitting they each were. I can't decide which tune is my favorite and they are all really catchy. The only problem I have had with this cd is just that--- the catchiness. :) I have been whistling the songs "Clownette", "Wedding of the Winds", "The Booster" and "Broadway One Step" for about three or four days, unable to get them out of my head (my poor friends!). But it's totally worth it! :) I hope you will love this fantastic cd as much as I do!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Run Away With the Circus - Without Leaving Home, December 29, 2004

By 

Danielle Bennignus - See all my reviews

This review is from: Under the Big Top: 100 Years of Circus Music (Audio CD)

This album is unique, irrepressible, dynamic and just plain fun. With a wonderful historic context, great liner notes and a band that can't be beat, it offers up circus music as it should sound - fluid, raucous, splendid and terrifying...often all at once. There's just nothing like it.

Twenty-eight numbers, each matched to its specific act, comprise the collection, and as each selection plays through, one honestly feels as though they are watching the show (the drumrolls, complete with "ta-da's", don't hurt). Wonderful early rags (such as "Miss Trombone", "The Booster" and "Clownette") marry with later compositions (ie "Wedding of the Winds", "Stop It!" and "Fan-Tan") seamlessly - each number has its place, and there isn't a bore in the bunch. So much so, in fact, that the album shouldn't appeal only to circus buffs, but to lovers of early popular music in general. I love comparing some of the arrangements to versions on other albums, just to hear the circus nature that's been infused. A real joy.

The liner notes are a true delight - David Foil expertly tells of the history of circus music and the musicians who perform it. He spotlights the career of Sam Pilafian, a performer with the Ringling Brothers-Barnum & Bailey Circus, who provides amazing insight as to his personal experiences as a band member. He explains how difficult the work is, the traditions involved in planning out a show's musical themeing, and, of course, why you'll probably never hear Sousa's "Stars & Stripes Forever". Intensely informative, and very entertaining.