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

R. Carlos Nakai, Peter Kater

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 3, 1995)
• Original Release Date: January 4, 1995
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Silver Wave
• ASIN: B000000PP7
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #59,612 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #15 in	Music > Indie Music > Soundtracks > Television Soundtracks
  #86 in	Music > World Music > North America > Native American

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Contemplative and moving, July 2, 1999

By A Customer

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!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still A Fine Work, June 30, 2004

By	Patrick Kucera "Moosers" (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mood Music at it's Best!, January 30, 2001

By	Mark J. Repp "themark" (Port Huron, MI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.