Customer Reviews

Under the Big Top: 100 Years of Circus Music

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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!

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.

This CD made you feel like you could just sit in the bleachers and watch the band come by. Their circus music was delightful and a great mixture so it was never boring. My husband and I as well as the children and grandchildren loved the CD during a circus party we were having while on vacation.

I bought this CD for my daughter's Carnival party....and what a great purchase it was! The music brings you back to the days of going to the circus with your mom and dad for the first time and also the first time you went to a Carnival and rode the Carousel. Everyone at my daughter's party noticed this music playing and said that it really set the mood for the party. What a great disc to play at ANY children's party!

I used this CD in a mix for a Big Top themed company picnic. The music was awesome and provided great atmosphere music and made you feel like you were at a real circus.

Now, you are probably thinking, "How hokey! Who'd buy a cd of Circus music?"

I did, and I'm glad I did.
This cd puts into perspective the true art of the circus orchestra.
What passes for background music has a wonderful and energetic history. Some of the best musicians to be found were in such orchestras.
David Foil's excellent liner notes puts this into perspective.

"...there was this big book-it looked like the phone book for a town...we get finished with the thing and it's intermission! The conductor says, "Look under your seat, "and there was another book: that was the second act. Two thick tomes-that was the music for that year's edition."

I was throwing my daughter, who was turning 7, a carnival/circus party. I was directed to the Amazon site through a google search when looking for carnival party music. I ordered the CD on Friday and chose to have it delivered by standard delivery. Much to my surprise, it was delivered on Monday. The CD is great and just what my daughter's party needed to help set the mood. It was well packaged, so there is no need to worry about it being received broken. I'll definitely order from Amazon again.

We had a public event for kids and families, hosting about 750 people. This music was a perfect backdrop for our circus themed day, putting everybody in the right spirit for clowns, carnival games, and a circus animal treasure hunt.

Needed carnival type music for a company picnic with a circus theme. Too hard to find the type of music on line so needed to purchase a CD. Came upon this CD and love the whole thing. Even taking it a step further and using the carnival theme for a health fair: Your Health: Chance or Choice. I will be a carnival barker with the music playing and a spin the wheel - ducks in the water - etc. Think it will liven up the whole event!