The War That Made America: The Story of the French and Indian War [SOUNDTRACK]

Brian Keane (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 10, 2006)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Valley
• ASIN: B000CEV4UE
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #279,663 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Ten time Emmy winning composer and Grammy winning producer Brian Keane has crafted a unique soundtrack the PBS special, The War That Made America (The Story of the French and Indian War), a fascinating story about the foundations of America, it’s winners and it’s losers.

Taking place in the middle 1700's, Keane drenches the score in the atmosphere of the 18th century by employing the instruments and music of the time period including works by Handel, French court composer Jean Baptiste Lully, and others. One notable example is a haunting rendition of "D’une Nouvelle Terre" sung by countertenor Marshall Coid accompanied by a baroque orchestra. The piece was written in 18th century French Canada to commemorate the defeat of General Braddock at the hands of a much smaller French and Indian force.

Traditional Iroquois and Six Nations music, performed by Six Nations singers and musicians is also a key component of the score. This soundtrack provides a rare glimpse into the traditional music of the eastern American Indians.

Brian Keane’s trademark melodic composing is in evidence here too, with the beautiful "Early Americans", and the tragic "Vanishing World" among others. Keane turns the music from beautiful or tragic to exciting and even terrifying, all while staying within the vernacular of the 18th century. This is a score that weaves all these fascinating elements together into an absolutely unique listening experience.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars OK music, April 12, 2006

By	Dr J (Salem, OR United States) - See all my reviews

This CD is listenable and has some nice music, but has nothing memorable. There is no rousing main theme that I expect from a soundtrack and many of the songs are not particularly good. If you are interested in music from this period, get the soundtracks to "Last of the Mohicans, The Patriot, and A&E's Revolution" (if you can find and afford that last one). Pass on this one.

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Worth your time, January 30, 2006

By	J. Romer "wissixwe" (PA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A surprisingly "listenable" and quality work that rises above the documentary/drama series that it was created for.