The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #31740 Message #3943455
Posted By: GUEST,Julia L
12-Aug-18 - 05:18 PM
Thread Name: Opinionated Civil War Music Article
Subject: RE: Opinionated Civil War Music Article
I'd just like to mention that there was, historically, a great spectrum of music played and sung during the Civil War period, both on and off the battlefield, both accompanied and a capella. More formal music could be heard in concert halls and high-class soirees, popular music was dispensed in the form of chapbooks and sheet music to be sung in parlors and social gathering places, religious songs were sung in churches and revival tents, etc etc. These songs migrated between classes and communities, were adapted, parodied, and mis-remembered creating various versions, all "authentic". It's important to understand the social function of music in the culture- to inspire, entertain, mourn or celebrate, sharing ideas, events and feelings.
People would do well to explore archives, journals and historical resources when preparing authentic programming.