Tams, doing his thing!, 11 Jan 2008
Before watching Sharpe I had never heard of John Tams, and quite frankly my music collection was the poorer for it! This album is a fantastic mix of score from the shows and traditional folk songs of the period performed by Tams and his mate Barry Coope with an amazing guest performance from the wonderful Kate Rusby. A must have for all fans of John Tams, Kate Rusby, Sharpe and great British folk music!

Nar x

Well worth listening to, 16 May 2007
It's perhaps not the best album you'll ever buy,but for Sharpe fans it's a must.
The arrangements are a bit different from the TV series, but so what. John Tam's rendering of 'Over the Hills' and 'The Spanish bride' are brilliant. Equally so the tunes covered by Kate Rusby.
I personally don't think the tunes by the military band add anything, but I still love the album. You can always use the skip button on your CD player!

Different in a good way, 29 Apr 2007
Ok so as other people have said, it isnt necerssarily true to the TV series, over the hills and far away loses some of its charm, however I still find this an excellent album.

The CD gives a good mix of folk and marching music, with some of the arrangements being very well produced. John Tams' music is excellent, and I found the Regimental/ Military music a nice change from the usual folk CD's. Collier Recriut sounds fantastic sung by Kate Rusby, likewise it was nice to hear the full version of Johhny's Gone for a Solider in its true form.

If your excpecting the music as it was on the TV you'll be dissapointed, however if you're willing to listen to it end to end it provides an enjoyable hour or so of easy listening and captivating music.

My one major critisism is the length of some of the songs, Gentleman Soldier to the tune of British Grenadiers would have been far better with a few instrumental versus or even the more tradition lyrics "Some talk of Alexander, and some of Hercules..." encasing it.

In short, buy it if your willing to listen to something a little different to everything else in your CD collection and dont mind modern instruments used to enhance old music.

THERE SHOULD BE MORE OF IT !, 11 Apr 2007
Being a confirmed "SHARPE" fan ,when Amazon offered the CD I jumped at the chance of buying it, particularly as I had not seen it offered in Australia. I was undetered by the very adverse comments contained in some of the reviews, and generally speaking. I was glad I was.
Thee really should be more of offering embracing as it does both military and social history. Apart from "SONGS AND MUSIC OF THE REDCOATS" -which appeared in vinyl and was inspired by the seminal book of the same name -it seems a most neglected genre .
Certainly it might have been done better: omissions such as "THE OWL" and particularly, the "RIFLEMAN'S SONG" from the same era are quite surprising . On the other hand, while I notice that a reviwer complains of the brevity of 'THE ROGUES' MARCH" ,that's really all there was. The only possible second verse would be "FIFTY I GOT FOR SELLING MY COAT,FIFTY FOR SELLING MY BLANKET..." as a boast of the number of lashes received as a consequence.
Then we come to the particularly vexed question of how folk songs should be accompanied and presented. The question of whether out-of-period instruments should be used has been a contentious issue from Vaughan Williams to Steeleye Span. Personally, I have no objection providing the 'Spirit" of the song is preserved, which seems to be the case here
In the aforementioned "SONGS AND MUSIC OF THE REDCOATS" recording ,"OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY" was rendered in its original early 18th.century form:- " QUEEN ANNE COMMANDS AND WE OBEY..." with the vocalist accompanied by a pair of Recorders, yet can it be said that this was a more "authentic" rendition ?

To conclude on a sour note, there is a Horrible Howler perpetrated in the cover notes. According to this source the 95th. were the " Light Brigade"- someone should get Fifty lashes for that!



The Peninsular War condensed into 52 and a half minutes of musical enjoyment., 25 Feb 2007
I've been re-watching Sharpe, and having long-admired the music of the series, decided it was about time I bought the soundtrack.
I must admit that having read the mixed reviews, it was not without a sense of trepidation that I ordered the CD.
I'm happy to report that it lived up to my expectations, and more. From the opening bars of "The Overture" to the closing track, "Sharpe's Song/ Sharpe's Theme", I was captivated and transported to that time and place many of us have grown to love: Spanish mountains, French skies, loyal partisans, valiant heroes and repugnant villains, Waterloo, Wellington and of course, the Ninety-Fifth Rifles.
Let's clear a few things up.
No, not every piece of music recorded for the Sharpe series is on the CD.
Yes, there is plenty from the series, and the other songs - especially the vocal pieces - give a nice "flavour" of both the period and spirit of the Napoleonic Wars.
No, puritans who don't believe old instruments should be mixed with new will not like this.
Yes, everyone else will.

When Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks collaborated on the Academy Award-winning Saving Private Ryan, an abiding passion to further honour the young fighting soldiers of WWII was born in both men, resulting in Band of Brothers, an ambitious 10-part mini-series based on historian Stephen Ambrose's account of a 101st Airborne regiment as it fought its way across Europe. In scoring the sweeping project, Michael Kamen has eschewed much of the martial music familiar from past war epics in favour of the quiet, largely introspective sound that has informed modern battle films from Platoon through Private Ryan and The Thin Red Line. And if his reverential, often somber tones capture the dignity of the soldiers and the gravity of the events, they sometimes do so at the expense of other human dimensions--and the lively pop music of the 1940s. Still, Kamen's work strikes an impressive balance, fusing the pastoral with subtle modern rhythm touches and utilising spare piano solos, a darkly ironic use of Beethoven's String Quartet in C-Sharp Minor, and a memorable, elegiac main theme. --Jerry McCulley

Tams, doing his thing!, 11 Jan 2008
Before watching Sharpe I had never heard of John Tams, and quite frankly my music collection was the poorer for it! This album is a fantastic mix of score from the shows and traditional folk songs of the period performed by Tams and his mate Barry Coope with an amazing guest performance from the wonderful Kate Rusby. A must have for all fans of John Tams, Kate Rusby, Sharpe and great British folk music!

Nar x

Well worth listening to, 16 May 2007
It's perhaps not the best album you'll ever buy,but for Sharpe fans it's a must.
The arrangements are a bit different from the TV series, but so what. John Tam's rendering of 'Over the Hills' and 'The Spanish bride' are brilliant. Equally so the tunes covered by Kate Rusby.
I personally don't think the tunes by the military band add anything, but I still love the album. You can always use the skip button on your CD player!

Different in a good way, 29 Apr 2007
Ok so as other people have said, it isnt necerssarily true to the TV series, over the hills and far away loses some of its charm, however I still find this an excellent album.

The CD gives a good mix of folk and marching music, with some of the arrangements being very well produced. John Tams' music is excellent, and I found the Regimental/ Military music a nice change from the usual folk CD's. Collier Recriut sounds fantastic sung by Kate Rusby, likewise it was nice to hear the full version of Johhny's Gone for a Solider in its true form.

If your excpecting the music as it was on the TV you'll be dissapointed, however if you're willing to listen to it end to end it provides an enjoyable hour or so of easy listening and captivating music.

My one major critisism is the length of some of the songs, Gentleman Soldier to the tune of British Grenadiers would have been far better with a few instrumental versus or even the more tradition lyrics "Some talk of Alexander, and some of Hercules..." encasing it.

In short, buy it if your willing to listen to something a little different to everything else in your CD collection and dont mind modern instruments used to enhance old music.

THERE SHOULD BE MORE OF IT !, 11 Apr 2007
Being a confirmed "SHARPE" fan ,when Amazon offered the CD I jumped at the chance of buying it, particularly as I had not seen it offered in Australia. I was undetered by the very adverse comments contained in some of the reviews, and generally speaking. I was glad I was.
Thee really should be more of offering embracing as it does both military and social history. Apart from "SONGS AND MUSIC OF THE REDCOATS" -which appeared in vinyl and was inspired by the seminal book of the same name -it seems a most neglected genre .
Certainly it might have been done better: omissions such as "THE OWL" and particularly, the "RIFLEMAN'S SONG" from the same era are quite surprising . On the other hand, while I notice that a reviwer complains of the brevity of 'THE ROGUES' MARCH" ,that's really all there was. The only possible second verse would be "FIFTY I GOT FOR SELLING MY COAT,FIFTY FOR SELLING MY BLANKET..." as a boast of the number of lashes received as a consequence.
Then we come to the particularly vexed question of how folk songs should be accompanied and presented. The question of whether out-of-period instruments should be used has been a contentious issue from Vaughan Williams to Steeleye Span. Personally, I have no objection providing the 'Spirit" of the song is preserved, which seems to be the case here
In the aforementioned "SONGS AND MUSIC OF THE REDCOATS" recording ,"OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY" was rendered in its original early 18th.century form:- " QUEEN ANNE COMMANDS AND WE OBEY..." with the vocalist accompanied by a pair of Recorders, yet can it be said that this was a more "authentic" rendition ?

To conclude on a sour note, there is a Horrible Howler perpetrated in the cover notes. According to this source the 95th. were the " Light Brigade"- someone should get Fifty lashes for that!



The Peninsular War condensed into 52 and a half minutes of musical enjoyment., 25 Feb 2007
I've been re-watching Sharpe, and having long-admired the music of the series, decided it was about time I bought the soundtrack.
I must admit that having read the mixed reviews, it was not without a sense of trepidation that I ordered the CD.
I'm happy to report that it lived up to my expectations, and more. From the opening bars of "The Overture" to the closing track, "Sharpe's Song/ Sharpe's Theme", I was captivated and transported to that time and place many of us have grown to love: Spanish mountains, French skies, loyal partisans, valiant heroes and repugnant villains, Waterloo, Wellington and of course, the Ninety-Fifth Rifles.
Let's clear a few things up.
No, not every piece of music recorded for the Sharpe series is on the CD.
Yes, there is plenty from the series, and the other songs - especially the vocal pieces - give a nice "flavour" of both the period and spirit of the Napoleonic Wars.
No, puritans who don't believe old instruments should be mixed with new will not like this.
Yes, everyone else will.

Band of Brothers (Kamen) [Soundtrack]., 06 Dec 2005
If you liked the series you will love the sound track. You will end up in a world of your own plus it's so relaxing just make sure you don't leave the kettle on!

Fans of the Show, 05 Feb 2004
This rating is based on the fact that I'm a big fan of the series. The music is wonderfully evocative and is great for easy listening background music.

If the Theme music for the series moves you then this is for you especially if you like classical music.

Unmatched Accompaniment to a Majestic Series, 29 Aug 2003
Since purchasing this album, I've listened to virtually nothing else. The Main Theme alone is probably one of the most moving pieces of music written in the last fifty years; the two Suites are admirable and vastly 'listenable' alternative takes on the rest of the score, and the selection that makes up the rest of the album is superb. The string quartet is enough to make you cry, and the final track, featuring a choral accompaniment to the main theme is strangley uplifting. The TV series is the ultimate statement of there being no glory in war, only infinite sadness, and this album echoes and enhances that sentiment without becoming mawkish. I know of no other soundtrack that both matches its source perfectly, yet remains a masterpiece in its own right. Utterly, utterly wonderful.

Excellent, 21 Jan 2002
This Soundtrack recaptures the moving account of the famous Easy Company in the Band of Brothers series.It's not hard to feel very emotional when listening to the various tracks.Highly recommended

Emotional bliss!, 02 Jan 2002
Superb from the first moment that you here the main theme you know this is something special!

Haunting, perfect and captures a past time superbly, soundtracks don't get much better than this!

To add to this the two Band Of Brothers Suite's are excellent, all the music reminds you of scene's from the series and its finale with Austria and the exceptional Band Of Brothers Requim put this in a class of its own.

Michael Kamen should be proud, this music is everything it should be and a little more. Buy and listen! For any person who likes classical film music this belongs right up there with John Williams! Superb and the emotional impact is huge. Thank you for producing such a wonderfull soundtrack!

Tams, doing his thing!, 11 Jan 2008
Before watching Sharpe I had never heard of John Tams, and quite frankly my music collection was the poorer for it! This album is a fantastic mix of score from the shows and traditional folk songs of the period performed by Tams and his mate Barry Coope with an amazing guest performance from the wonderful Kate Rusby. A must have for all fans of John Tams, Kate Rusby, Sharpe and great British folk music!

Nar x

Well worth listening to, 16 May 2007
It's perhaps not the best album you'll ever buy,but for Sharpe fans it's a must.
The arrangements are a bit different from the TV series, but so what. John Tam's rendering of 'Over the Hills' and 'The Spanish bride' are brilliant. Equally so the tunes covered by Kate Rusby.
I personally don't think the tunes by the military band add anything, but I still love the album. You can always use the skip button on your CD player!

Different in a good way, 29 Apr 2007
Ok so as other people have said, it isnt necerssarily true to the TV series, over the hills and far away loses some of its charm, however I still find this an excellent album.

The CD gives a good mix of folk and marching music, with some of the arrangements being very well produced. John Tams' music is excellent, and I found the Regimental/ Military music a nice change from the usual folk CD's. Collier Recriut sounds fantastic sung by Kate Rusby, likewise it was nice to hear the full version of Johhny's Gone for a Solider in its true form.

If your excpecting the music as it was on the TV you'll be dissapointed, however if you're willing to listen to it end to end it provides an enjoyable hour or so of easy listening and captivating music.

My one major critisism is the length of some of the songs, Gentleman Soldier to the tune of British Grenadiers would have been far better with a few instrumental versus or even the more tradition lyrics "Some talk of Alexander, and some of Hercules..." encasing it.

In short, buy it if your willing to listen to something a little different to everything else in your CD collection and dont mind modern instruments used to enhance old music.

THERE SHOULD BE MORE OF IT !, 11 Apr 2007
Being a confirmed "SHARPE" fan ,when Amazon offered the CD I jumped at the chance of buying it, particularly as I had not seen it offered in Australia. I was undetered by the very adverse comments contained in some of the reviews, and generally speaking. I was glad I was.
Thee really should be more of offering embracing as it does both military and social history. Apart from "SONGS AND MUSIC OF THE REDCOATS" -which appeared in vinyl and was inspired by the seminal book of the same name -it seems a most neglected genre .
Certainly it might have been done better: omissions such as "THE OWL" and particularly, the "RIFLEMAN'S SONG" from the same era are quite surprising . On the other hand, while I notice that a reviwer complains of the brevity of 'THE ROGUES' MARCH" ,that's really all there was. The only possible second verse would be "FIFTY I GOT FOR SELLING MY COAT,FIFTY FOR SELLING MY BLANKET..." as a boast of the number of lashes received as a consequence.
Then we come to the particularly vexed question of how folk songs should be accompanied and presented. The question of whether out-of-period instruments should be used has been a contentious issue from Vaughan Williams to Steeleye Span. Personally, I have no objection providing the 'Spirit" of the song is preserved, which seems to be the case here
In the aforementioned "SONGS AND MUSIC OF THE REDCOATS" recording ,"OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY" was rendered in its original early 18th.century form:- " QUEEN ANNE COMMANDS AND WE OBEY..." with the vocalist accompanied by a pair of Recorders, yet can it be said that this was a more "authentic" rendition ?

To conclude on a sour note, there is a Horrible Howler perpetrated in the cover notes. According to this source the 95th. were the " Light Brigade"- someone should get Fifty lashes for that!



The Peninsular War condensed into 52 and a half minutes of musical enjoyment., 25 Feb 2007
I've been re-watching Sharpe, and having long-admired the music of the series, decided it was about time I bought the soundtrack.
I must admit that having read the mixed reviews, it was not without a sense of trepidation that I ordered the CD.
I'm happy to report that it lived up to my expectations, and more. From the opening bars of "The Overture" to the closing track, "Sharpe's Song/ Sharpe's Theme", I was captivated and transported to that time and place many of us have grown to love: Spanish mountains, French skies, loyal partisans, valiant heroes and repugnant villains, Waterloo, Wellington and of course, the Ninety-Fifth Rifles.
Let's clear a few things up.
No, not every piece of music recorded for the Sharpe series is on the CD.
Yes, there is plenty from the series, and the other songs - especially the vocal pieces - give a nice "flavour" of both the period and spirit of the Napoleonic Wars.
No, puritans who don't believe old instruments should be mixed with new will not like this.
Yes, everyone else will.

Band of Brothers (Kamen) [Soundtrack]., 06 Dec 2005
If you liked the series you will love the sound track. You will end up in a world of your own plus it's so relaxing just make sure you don't leave the kettle on!

Fans of the Show, 05 Feb 2004
This rating is based on the fact that I'm a big fan of the series. The music is wonderfully evocative and is great for easy listening background music.

If the Theme music for the series moves you then this is for you especially if you like classical music.

Unmatched Accompaniment to a Majestic Series, 29 Aug 2003
Since purchasing this album, I've listened to virtually nothing else. The Main Theme alone is probably one of the most moving pieces of music written in the last fifty years; the two Suites are admirable and vastly 'listenable' alternative takes on the rest of the score, and the selection that makes up the rest of the album is superb. The string quartet is enough to make you cry, and the final track, featuring a choral accompaniment to the main theme is strangley uplifting. The TV series is the ultimate statement of there being no glory in war, only infinite sadness, and this album echoes and enhances that sentiment without becoming mawkish. I know of no other soundtrack that both matches its source perfectly, yet remains a masterpiece in its own right. Utterly, utterly wonderful.

Excellent, 21 Jan 2002
This Soundtrack recaptures the moving account of the famous Easy Company in the Band of Brothers series.It's not hard to feel very emotional when listening to the various tracks.Highly recommended

Emotional bliss!, 02 Jan 2002
Superb from the first moment that you here the main theme you know this is something special!

Haunting, perfect and captures a past time superbly, soundtracks don't get much better than this!

To add to this the two Band Of Brothers Suite's are excellent, all the music reminds you of scene's from the series and its finale with Austria and the exceptional Band Of Brothers Requim put this in a class of its own.

Michael Kamen should be proud, this music is everything it should be and a little more. Buy and listen! For any person who likes classical film music this belongs right up there with John Williams! Superb and the emotional impact is huge. Thank you for producing such a wonderfull soundtrack!

spain remembered, 29 Jul 2008
as the old saying goes{i may not know art but i know what i like}. i may not be an expert on spanish classical guitar music but this cd is excellent. track 5 disc 1 is 10 minutes of heaven.you may recognise it as the music from the film el cid.there are 1 or 2 tracks that dont quite hit the mark but mostly this is a fantastic compilation album and will satisfy most peoples needs. just relax with a bottle of rioja,turn off your phone and dont answer the door bell. you will be transported back to that little secret tapas bar that only you and your loved one know about. the sevilla feria 05 is where it takes us.

Excellent CD - But may only be suitable for the enthusiasts., 30 Mar 2002
Those at "The Only Album You'll Ever Need" studios have really succeeded in putting together an excellent arrangement of 34 masterpieces for the classical guitar in "The Only Guitar Album You'll Ever Need."

It is true that classical guitar playing attracts only a limited range of people, but even if you only mildly enjoy or are the slightest bit interested in hearing works by famous guitar composers such as Rodrigo, Villa-Lobos or even Bach, then "The Only Guitar Album You'll Ever Need" won't fail to please you.

I was content to see that the majority of the most famous guitar pieces were included here; including 'Concierto de Aranjeuz' (if only the second movement) and 'Cavatina' (this time played by Simon Dinnegan); as even if you already have these hits on your shelf, it is surprising and refreshing to see how incredibly different they can sound in the hands of the various artists and conductors presented here. The works are played by a range of different guitarists; including Bream, Williams and Dinnegan; and it is breathtaking to hear John Williams and Julian Bream battle it out in Falla's 'Spanish Dance No. 1' (from La Vida Breve).

I don't have any criticisms of the collection put together on this two-hour plus double CD, or the quality of the recordings. Realistically with all the guitar material available it is not hard to put together an album of classical guitar successes- 'Miller's Dance' by Falla leaves the listener energised whilst Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjeuz' will leave you deeply moved. It is satisfying to say that the collection offers a good concoction of material with a broad spectrum of guitar pieces.

Still, if you aren't stirred at the sound of the words 'Concierto de Aranjeuz,' and have little interest in guitar playing of the classical kind, maybe this isn't the CD for you.

Tams, doing his thing!, 11 Jan 2008
Before watching Sharpe I had never heard of John Tams, and quite frankly my music collection was the poorer for it! This album is a fantastic mix of score from the shows and traditional folk songs of the period performed by Tams and his mate Barry Coope with an amazing guest performance from the wonderful Kate Rusby. A must have for all fans of John Tams, Kate Rusby, Sharpe and great British folk music!

Nar x

Well worth listening to, 16 May 2007
It's perhaps not the best album you'll ever buy,but for Sharpe fans it's a must.
The arrangements are a bit different from the TV series, but so what. John Tam's rendering of 'Over the Hills' and 'The Spanish bride' are brilliant. Equally so the tunes covered by Kate Rusby.
I personally don't think the tunes by the military band add anything, but I still love the album. You can always use the skip button on your CD player!

Different in a good way, 29 Apr 2007
Ok so as other people have said, it isnt necerssarily true to the TV series, over the hills and far away loses some of its charm, however I still find this an excellent album.

The CD gives a good mix of folk and marching music, with some of the arrangements being very well produced. John Tams' music is excellent, and I found the Regimental/ Military music a nice change from the usual folk CD's. Collier Recriut sounds fantastic sung by Kate Rusby, likewise it was nice to hear the full version of Johhny's Gone for a Solider in its true form.

If your excpecting the music as it was on the TV you'll be dissapointed, however if you're willing to listen to it end to end it provides an enjoyable hour or so of easy listening and captivating music.

My one major critisism is the length of some of the songs, Gentleman Soldier to the tune of British Grenadiers would have been far better with a few instrumental versus or even the more tradition lyrics "Some talk of Alexander, and some of Hercules..." encasing it.

In short, buy it if your willing to listen to something a little different to everything else in your CD collection and dont mind modern instruments used to enhance old music.

THERE SHOULD BE MORE OF IT !, 11 Apr 2007
Being a confirmed "SHARPE" fan ,when Amazon offered the CD I jumped at the chance of buying it, particularly as I had not seen it offered in Australia. I was undetered by the very adverse comments contained in some of the reviews, and generally speaking. I was glad I was.
Thee really should be more of offering embracing as it does both military and social history. Apart from "SONGS AND MUSIC OF THE REDCOATS" -which appeared in vinyl and was inspired by the seminal book of the same name -it seems a most neglected genre .
Certainly it might have been done better: omissions such as "THE OWL" and particularly, the "RIFLEMAN'S SONG" from the same era are quite surprising . On the other hand, while I notice that a reviwer complains of the brevity of 'THE ROGUES' MARCH" ,that's really all there was. The only possible second verse would be "FIFTY I GOT FOR SELLING MY COAT,FIFTY FOR SELLING MY BLANKET..." as a boast of the number of lashes received as a consequence.
Then we come to the particularly vexed question of how folk songs should be accompanied and presented. The question of whether out-of-period instruments should be used has been a contentious issue from Vaughan Williams to Steeleye Span. Personally, I have no objection providing the 'Spirit" of the song is preserved, which seems to be the case here
In the aforementioned "SONGS AND MUSIC OF THE REDCOATS" recording ,"OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY" was rendered in its original early 18th.century form:- " QUEEN ANNE COMMANDS AND WE OBEY..." with the vocalist accompanied by a pair of Recorders, yet can it be said that this was a more "authentic" rendition ?

To conclude on a sour note, there is a Horrible Howler perpetrated in the cover notes. According to this source the 95th. were the " Light Brigade"- someone should get Fifty lashes for that!



The Peninsular War condensed into 52 and a half minutes of musical enjoyment., 25 Feb 2007
I've been re-watching Sharpe, and having long-admired the music of the series, decided it was about time I bought the soundtrack.
I must admit that having read the mixed reviews, it was not without a sense of trepidation that I ordered the CD.
I'm happy to report that it lived up to my expectations, and more. From the opening bars of "The Overture" to the closing track, "Sharpe's Song/ Sharpe's Theme", I was captivated and transported to that time and place many of us have grown to love: Spanish mountains, French skies, loyal partisans, valiant heroes and repugnant villains, Waterloo, Wellington and of course, the Ninety-Fifth Rifles.
Let's clear a few things up.
No, not every piece of music recorded for the Sharpe series is on the CD.
Yes, there is plenty from the series, and the other songs - especially the vocal pieces - give a nice "flavour" of both the period and spirit of the Napoleonic Wars.
No, puritans who don't believe old instruments should be mixed with new will not like this.
Yes, everyone else will.

Band of Brothers (Kamen) [Soundtrack]., 06 Dec 2005
If you liked the series you will love the sound track. You will end up in a world of your own plus it's so relaxing just make sure you don't leave the kettle on!

Fans of the Show, 05 Feb 2004
This rating is based on the fact that I'm a big fan of the series. The music is wonderfully evocative and is great for easy listening background music.

If the Theme music for the series moves you then this is for you especially if you like classical music.

Unmatched Accompaniment to a Majestic Series, 29 Aug 2003
Since purchasing this album, I've listened to virtually nothing else. The Main Theme alone is probably one of the most moving pieces of music written in the last fifty years; the two Suites are admirable and vastly 'listenable' alternative takes on the rest of the score, and the selection that makes up the rest of the album is superb. The string quartet is enough to make you cry, and the final track, featuring a choral accompaniment to the main theme is strangley uplifting. The TV series is the ultimate statement of there being no glory in war, only infinite sadness, and this album echoes and enhances that sentiment without becoming mawkish. I know of no other soundtrack that both matches its source perfectly, yet remains a masterpiece in its own right. Utterly, utterly wonderful.

Excellent, 21 Jan 2002
This Soundtrack recaptures the moving account of the famous Easy Company in the Band of Brothers series.It's not hard to feel very emotional when listening to the various tracks.Highly recommended

Emotional bliss!, 02 Jan 2002
Superb from the first moment that you here the main theme you know this is something special!

Haunting, perfect and captures a past time superbly, soundtracks don't get much better than this!

To add to this the two Band Of Brothers Suite's are excellent, all the music reminds you of scene's from the series and its finale with Austria and the exceptional Band Of Brothers Requim put this in a class of its own.

Michael Kamen should be proud, this music is everything it should be and a little more. Buy and listen! For any person who likes classical film music this belongs right up there with John Williams! Superb and the emotional impact is huge. Thank you for producing such a wonderfull soundtrack!

spain remembered, 29 Jul 2008
as the old saying goes{i may not know art but i know what i like}. i may not be an expert on spanish classical guitar music but this cd is excellent. track 5 disc 1 is 10 minutes of heaven.you may recognise it as the music from the film el cid.there are 1 or 2 tracks that dont quite hit the mark but mostly this is a fantastic compilation album and will satisfy most peoples needs. just relax with a bottle of rioja,turn off your phone and dont answer the door bell. you will be transported back to that little secret tapas bar that only you and your loved one know about. the sevilla feria 05 is where it takes us.

Excellent CD - But may only be suitable for the enthusiasts., 30 Mar 2002
Those at "The Only Album You'll Ever Need" studios have really succeeded in putting together an excellent arrangement of 34 masterpieces for the classical guitar in "The Only Guitar Album You'll Ever Need."

It is true that classical guitar playing attracts only a limited range of people, but even if you only mildly enjoy or are the slightest bit interested in hearing works by famous guitar composers such as Rodrigo, Villa-Lobos or even Bach, then "The Only Guitar Album You'll Ever Need" won't fail to please you.

I was content to see that the majority of the most famous guitar pieces were included here; including 'Concierto de Aranjeuz' (if only the second movement) and 'Cavatina' (this time played by Simon Dinnegan); as even if you already have these hits on your shelf, it is surprising and refreshing to see how incredibly different they can sound in the hands of the various artists and conductors presented here. The works are played by a range of different guitarists; including Bream, Williams and Dinnegan; and it is breathtaking to hear John Williams and Julian Bream battle it out in Falla's 'Spanish Dance No. 1' (from La Vida Breve).

I don't have any criticisms of the collection put together on this two-hour plus double CD, or the quality of the recordings. Realistically with all the guitar material available it is not hard to put together an album of classical guitar successes- 'Miller's Dance' by Falla leaves the listener energised whilst Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjeuz' will leave you deeply moved. It is satisfying to say that the collection offers a good concoction of material with a broad spectrum of guitar pieces.

Still, if you aren't stirred at the sound of the words 'Concierto de Aranjeuz,' and have little interest in guitar playing of the classical kind, maybe this isn't the CD for you.

Wonderful Music to Accompany a Wonderful Series, 24 Aug 2005
The story of the American Civil War had never been so well covered until Ken Burns undertook his monumental undertaking a few years ago. The music CD covers all the main musical themes which accompanied the series and make no mistake, its wonderful! What I like about it is the simple melodies taken from the well know folk songs which existed at the time. The highlight is of course is Ashoken Farewell. Its haunting. If you saw the series and enjoyed it like I did, then this CD is a great buy.

I loved the soundtrack of the Ken Burns documentary, 23 Jun 2005
The music is good enough to stand on its own merits and I would recommend the CD for anyone interested in the music of the era.

Worth it for the Ashokan Farewell alone!, 07 Oct 2004
This is a beautifully recorded reminder of the music used on the Burns' Civil War TV series. I bought it for one tune...the "Ashokan Farewell" used as the series' theme which is terribly evocative of the 1860's, the loneliness of the soldier away from family and familiar surroundings, caught up in a conflict unprecedented in the continental United States. I thought it was a period piece but it was written for the series.
The remainder of the material is music contemporaneous with the Civil War, played in a straightforward manner as they would have been in that far off time.
It's a good CD and worth having. I don't regret buying it and neither will you

Beautiful music underscores horrors of US Civil War....., 07 Dec 2003
When I watched The Civil War, Ken Burns' epic documentary, on PBS 13 years ago, I was not only moved by the mix of period paintings, photographs, voiceovers by great actors and David McCullough's wonderful narration, but I was captivated by the music in the soundtrack. From the poignant "Ashokan Farewell" (the signature theme of the film) to a beautiful choral presentation of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," the songs and military marches from the period added their powerful emotional content to an already engrossing television event.

The Civil War: Traditional American Songs and Instrumental Music Featured in the Film By Ken Burns is a treasure trove of musical gold. Its 28 tracks contain almost a full hour of military marches ("Parade," "Bonnie Blue Flag," "Palmyra Scottische"), sentimental songs ("Lorena," "Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier") and patriotic songs ("Dixie," "The Battle Cry of Freedom") that were popular in both North and South in the 1860s.

Of course, the track most listeners associate with both the documentary is the haunting "Ashokan Farewell," composed by Jay Ungar and performed by Ungar with Evan Stover, Matt Glaser, Molly Mason and Russ Barenger. It is a beautiful modern folk composition (originally heard in Fiddle Fever's "Waltz of the Wind" album) that reflects the tragic split between North and South that resulted in America's ugliest and bloodiest war. It is presented twice on this album, first in its entirety (track 3) and closes the CD along with a reading of Sullivan Ballou's last letter to his wife shortly before his death at the first battle of Bull Run.

What strikes me after all these years is the creativity and care taken by the producers to make this a worthwhile listening experience. While some of the marches and patriotic songs are played by bands with brass and percussion instruments, others are played to great effect by unexpected instruments. "The Battle Cry of Freedom," one of the great marching songs in the Northern repertoire and normally performed bombastically by bands or choruses, is played here by pianist Jacqueline Schwab with delicate sensibility and simplicity. In a similar vein, "Marching Through Georgia" is heard as both a triumphant fiddle romp performed by Fiddle Fever to underscore the mood of Sherman's army, then it is a lament played mournfully by pianist Schwab to reflect the feelings of loss and defeat by Georgians caught in the path of the "March to the Sea." It is a devastatingly effective use of music that draws the listener's ears, heart and mind into the drama and horror of the Civil War era.

Civil war - pathos and patriotism, 16 Oct 2003
I love this CD. The music ranges from classic war-time marches to negro spirituals to haunting melodies which reflect the awfulness and the grandeur of war. The spoken parts, take from contemporary diaries, add great power to the sense of drama and sadness. The music speaks of the complex and yet engaging context of war.

After several flops, Good Morning, Vietnam was the movie that turned Robin Williams from the popular alien of TV's Mork and Mindy into a cinema superstar. Applying a comic touch to the Vietnam conflict in the tradition of M*A*S*H and its treatment of the Korean War, the movie capitalised on Williams's fast-talking improvisation and mimicry by casting him as a madcap DJ. In a novel twist which predates Reservoir Dogs soundtrack dialogue extracts by five years, the album is presented as an Adrian Cronauer radio show, mixing seven clips of Williams's brilliant monologues with a dozen classic tracks which collectively define the era. From "Nowhere To Run" by Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, through Beach Boys' "The Warmth Of The Sun" and "I Get Around", "Sugar And Spice" by The Searchers and "Game Of Love" by Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders, 60s pop was rarely better than this. Topping-up the veritable jukebox of essential tracks is "I Got You (I Feel Good)" by James Brown and "Baby Please Don't Go" by Them, while rounding off the set is Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World". One of the best pop soundtracks since American Graffiti, this anthology wouldn't be bettered until Forest Gump. --Gary S. DalkinNineteen eighty-seven's Good Morning, Vietnam was a turning point for Robin Williams, garnering the comic his first Academy Award nomination and leveraging him into the first rank of American film stars. As directed by Barry Levinson, Williams imbues the "true life" story of Armed Forces Radio rebel Adrian Cronauer with his patented machine-gun comic banter, undercut by dollops of now equally familiar tragi-comic bathos. But contrary to the tired hit parade we've come to expect from period soundtracks, the '60s music Williams's character spins here is often a refreshing surprise, drawing from trashy garage-band chic ("Liar Liar" by the Castaways), underexposed British Invasion hits (the Searchers' "Sugar and Spice," "Game of Love" by Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders), and relatively obscure American chart hits ("Five O'Clock World" by the Vogues, the Rivieras' "Warm California Sun"), all of it gratuitously punctuated by Williams's manic DJ rantings. The inspired revival of Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" also became one of the 1980s' most unlikely hits. --Jerry McCulley

Tams, doing his thing!, 11 Jan 2008
Before watching Sharpe I had never heard of John Tams, and quite frankly my music collection was the poorer for it! This album is a fantastic mix of score from the shows and traditional folk songs of the period performed by Tams and his mate Barry Coope with an amazing guest performance from the wonderful Kate Rusby. A must have for all fans of John Tams, Kate Rusby, Sharpe and great British folk music!

Nar x

Well worth listening to, 16 May 2007
It's perhaps not the best album you'll ever buy,but for Sharpe fans it's a must.
The arrangements are a bit different from the TV series, but so what. John Tam's rendering of 'Over the Hills' and 'The Spanish bride' are brilliant. Equally so the tunes covered by Kate Rusby.
I personally don't think the tunes by the military band add anything, but I still love the album. You can always use the skip button on your CD player!

Different in a good way, 29 Apr 2007
Ok so as other people have said, it isnt necerssarily true to the TV series, over the hills and far away loses some of its charm, however I still find this an excellent album.

The CD gives a good mix of folk and marching music, with some of the arrangements being very well produced. John Tams' music is excellent, and I found the Regimental/ Military music a nice change from the usual folk CD's. Collier Recriut sounds fantastic sung by Kate Rusby, likewise it was nice to hear the full version of Johhny's Gone for a Solider in its true form.

If your excpecting the music as it was on the TV you'll be dissapointed, however if you're willing to listen to it end to end it provides an enjoyable hour or so of easy listening and captivating music.

My one major critisism is the length of some of the songs, Gentleman Soldier to the tune of British Grenadiers would have been far better with a few instrumental versus or even the more tradition lyrics "Some talk of Alexander, and some of Hercules..." encasing it.

In short, buy it if your willing to listen to something a little different to everything else in your CD collection and dont mind modern instruments used to enhance old music.

THERE SHOULD BE MORE OF IT !, 11 Apr 2007
Being a confirmed "SHARPE" fan ,when Amazon offered the CD I jumped at the chance of buying it, particularly as I had not seen it offered in Australia. I was undetered by the very adverse comments contained in some of the reviews, and generally speaking. I was glad I was.
Thee really should be more of offering embracing as it does both military and social history. Apart from "SONGS AND MUSIC OF THE REDCOATS" -which appeared in vinyl and was inspired by the seminal book of the same name -it seems a most neglected genre .
Certainly it might have been done better: omissions such as "THE OWL" and particularly, the "RIFLEMAN'S SONG" from the same era are quite surprising . On the other hand, while I notice that a reviwer complains of the brevity of 'THE ROGUES' MARCH" ,that's really all there was. The only possible second verse would be "FIFTY I GOT FOR SELLING MY COAT,FIFTY FOR SELLING MY BLANKET..." as a boast of the number of lashes received as a consequence.
Then we come to the particularly vexed question of how folk songs should be accompanied and presented. The question of whether out-of-period instruments should be used has been a contentious issue from Vaughan Williams to Steeleye Span. Personally, I have no objection providing the 'Spirit" of the song is preserved, which seems to be the case here
In the aforementioned "SONGS AND MUSIC OF THE REDCOATS" recording ,"OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY" was rendered in its original early 18th.century form:- " QUEEN ANNE COMMANDS AND WE OBEY..." with the vocalist accompanied by a pair of Recorders, yet can it be said that this was a more "authentic" rendition ?

To conclude on a sour note, there is a Horrible Howler perpetrated in the cover notes. According to this source the 95th. were the " Light Brigade"- someone should get Fifty lashes for that!



The Peninsular War condensed into 52 and a half minutes of musical enjoyment., 25 Feb 2007
I've been re-watching Sharpe, and having long-admired the music of the series, decided it was about time I bought the soundtrack.
I must admit that having read the mixed reviews, it was not without a sense of trepidation that I ordered the CD.
I'm happy to report that it lived up to my expectations, and more. From the opening bars of "The Overture" to the closing track, "Sharpe's Song/ Sharpe's Theme", I was captivated and transported to that time and place many of us have grown to love: Spanish mountains, French skies, loyal partisans, valiant heroes and repugnant villains, Waterloo, Wellington and of course, the Ninety-Fifth Rifles.
Let's clear a few things up.
No, not every piece of music recorded for the Sharpe series is on the CD.
Yes, there is plenty from the series, and the other songs - especially the vocal pieces - give a nice "flavour" of both the period and spirit of the Napoleonic Wars.
No, puritans who don't believe old instruments should be mixed with new will not like this.
Yes, everyone else will.

Band of Brothers (Kamen) [Soundtrack]., 06 Dec 2005
If you liked the series you will love the sound track. You will end up in a world of your own plus it's so relaxing just make sure you don't leave the kettle on!

Fans of the Show, 05 Feb 2004
This rating is based on the fact that I'm a big fan of the series. The music is wonderfully evocative and is great for easy listening background music.

If the Theme music for the series moves you then this is for you especially if you like classical music.

Unmatched Accompaniment to a Majestic Series, 29 Aug 2003
Since purchasing this album, I've listened to virtually nothing else. The Main Theme alone is probably one of the most moving pieces of music written in the last fifty years; the two Suites are admirable and vastly 'listenable' alternative takes on the rest of the score, and the selection that makes up the rest of the album is superb. The string quartet is enough to make you cry, and the final track, featuring a choral accompaniment to the main theme is strangley uplifting. The TV series is the ultimate statement of there being no glory in war, only infinite sadness, and this album echoes and enhances that sentiment without becoming mawkish. I know of no other soundtrack that both matches its source perfectly, yet remains a masterpiece in its own right. Utterly, utterly wonderful.

Excellent, 21 Jan 2002
This Soundtrack recaptures the moving account of the famous Easy Company in the Band of Brothers series.It's not hard to feel very emotional when listening to the various tracks.Highly recommended

Emotional bliss!, 02 Jan 2002
Superb from the first moment that you here the main theme you know this is something special!

Haunting, perfect and captures a past time superbly, soundtracks don't get much better than this!

To add to this the two Band Of Brothers Suite's are excellent, all the music reminds you of scene's from the series and its finale with Austria and the exceptional Band Of Brothers Requim put this in a class of its own.

Michael Kamen should be proud, this music is everything it should be and a little more. Buy and listen! For any person who likes classical film music this belongs right up there with John Williams! Superb and the emotional impact is huge. Thank you for producing such a wonderfull soundtrack!

spain remembered, 29 Jul 2008
as the old saying goes{i may not know art but i know what i like}. i may not be an expert on spanish classical guitar music but this cd is excellent. track 5 disc 1 is 10 minutes of heaven.you may recognise it as the music from the film el cid.there are 1 or 2 tracks that dont quite hit the mark but mostly this is a fantastic compilation album and will satisfy most peoples needs. just relax with a bottle of rioja,turn off your phone and dont answer the door bell. you will be transported back to that little secret tapas bar that only you and your loved one know about. the sevilla feria 05 is where it takes us.

Excellent CD - But may only be suitable for the enthusiasts., 30 Mar 2002
Those at "The Only Album You'll Ever Need" studios have really succeeded in putting together an excellent arrangement of 34 masterpieces for the classical guitar in "The Only Guitar Album You'll Ever Need."

It is true that classical guitar playing attracts only a limited range of people, but even if you only mildly enjoy or are the slightest bit interested in hearing works by famous guitar composers such as Rodrigo, Villa-Lobos or even Bach, then "The Only Guitar Album You'll Ever Need" won't fail to please you.

I was content to see that the majority of the most famous guitar pieces were included here; including 'Concierto de Aranjeuz' (if only the second movement) and 'Cavatina' (this time played by Simon Dinnegan); as even if you already have these hits on your shelf, it is surprising and refreshing to see how incredibly different they can sound in the hands of the various artists and conductors presented here. The works are played by a range of different guitarists; including Bream, Williams and Dinnegan; and it is breathtaking to hear John Williams and Julian Bream battle it out in Falla's 'Spanish Dance No. 1' (from La Vida Breve).

I don't have any criticisms of the collection put together on this two-hour plus double CD, or the quality of the recordings. Realistically with all the guitar material available it is not hard to put together an album of classical guitar successes- 'Miller's Dance' by Falla leaves the listener energised whilst Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjeuz' will leave you deeply moved. It is satisfying to say that the collection offers a good concoction of material with a broad spectrum of guitar pieces.

Still, if you aren't stirred at the sound of the words 'Concierto de Aranjeuz,' and have little interest in guitar playing of the classical kind, maybe this isn't the CD for you.

Wonderful Music to Accompany a Wonderful Series, 24 Aug 2005
The story of the American Civil War had never been so well covered until Ken Burns undertook his monumental undertaking a few years ago. The music CD covers all the main musical themes which accompanied the series and make no mistake, its wonderful! What I like about it is the simple melodies taken from the well know folk songs which existed at the time. The highlight is of course is Ashoken Farewell. Its haunting. If you saw the series and enjoyed it like I did, then this CD is a great buy.

I loved the soundtrack of the Ken Burns documentary, 23 Jun 2005
The music is good enough to stand on its own merits and I would recommend the CD for anyone interested in the music of the era.

Worth it for the Ashokan Farewell alone!, 07 Oct 2004
This is a beautifully recorded reminder of the music used on the Burns' Civil War TV series. I bought it for one tune...the "Ashokan Farewell" used as the series' theme which is terribly evocative of the 1860's, the loneliness of the soldier away from family and familiar surroundings, caught up in a conflict unprecedented in the continental United States. I thought it was a period piece but it was written for the series.
The remainder of the material is music contemporaneous with the Civil War, played in a straightforward manner as they would have been in that far off time.
It's a good CD and worth having. I don't regret buying it and neither will you

Beautiful music underscores horrors of US Civil War....., 07 Dec 2003
When I watched The Civil War, Ken Burns' epic documentary, on PBS 13 years ago, I was not only moved by the mix of period paintings, photographs, voiceovers by great actors and David McCullough's wonderful narration, but I was captivated by the music in the soundtrack. From the poignant "Ashokan Farewell" (the signature theme of the film) to a beautiful choral presentation of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," the songs and military marches from the period added their powerful emotional content to an already engrossing television event.

The Civil War: Traditional American Songs and Instrumental Music Featured in the Film By Ken Burns is a treasure trove of musical gold. Its 28 tracks contain almost a full hour of military marches ("Parade," "Bonnie Blue Flag," "Palmyra Scottische"), sentimental songs ("Lorena," "Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier") and patriotic songs ("Dixie," "The Battle Cry of Freedom") that were popular in both North and South in the 1860s.

Of course, the track most listeners associate with both the documentary is the haunting "Ashokan Farewell," composed by Jay Ungar and performed by Ungar with Evan Stover, Matt Glaser, Molly Mason and Russ Barenger. It is a beautiful modern folk composition (originally heard in Fiddle Fever's "Waltz of the Wind" album) that reflects the tragic split between North and South that resulted in America's ugliest and bloodiest war. It is presented twice on this album, first in its entirety (track 3) and closes the CD along with a reading of Sullivan Ballou's last letter to his wife shortly before his death at the first battle of Bull Run.

What strikes me after all these years is the creativity and care taken by the producers to make this a worthwhile listening experience. While some of the marches and patriotic songs are played by bands with brass and percussion instruments, others are played to great effect by unexpected instruments. "The Battle Cry of Freedom," one of the great marching songs in the Northern repertoire and normally performed bombastically by bands or choruses, is played here by pianist Jacqueline Schwab with delicate sensibility and simplicity. In a similar vein, "Marching Through Georgia" is heard as both a triumphant fiddle romp performed by Fiddle Fever to underscore the mood of Sherman's army, then it is a lament played mournfully by pianist Schwab to reflect the feelings of loss and defeat by Georgians caught in the path of the "March to the Sea." It is a devastatingly effective use of music that draws the listener's ears, heart and mind into the drama and horror of the Civil War era.

Civil war - pathos and patriotism, 16 Oct 2003
I love this CD. The music ranges from classic war-time marches to negro spirituals to haunting melodies which reflect the awfulness and the grandeur of war. The spoken parts, take from contemporary diaries, add great power to the sense of drama and sadness. The music speaks of the complex and yet engaging context of war.

good morning vietnam, 15 Jul 2008
the reviews next to the item I purchased are not applicable to this disc. There is no original soundtrack and Robin Williams is not on it nor are most of the original songs!

Like listening to Armed Forces Radio all over again..., 28 Jul 2004
The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of "Good Morning, Vietnam" is exactly what you would expect it to be, a combination of Robin William's maniacal spiels as DJ Adrian Cronauer and some great music from the Sixties. The result is something not too far removed from what it would have been like to listen to Armed Forces Radio in the 'Nam way back when. The only thing missing are the announcements for staff sergeant so-and-so to check in with his command post A.S.A.P. The songs included here are not exactly what you would classify as anti-war songs, although certainly there is something ironic about "Nowhere to Run," "Liar, Liar" and "What a Wonderful World" in the context of the Vietnam War. There is also a nice mixture of big names, such as James Brown and the Beach Boys, with lesser known artists, like The Searchers, The Rivieras and Them. This actually gives this album a nice sense of authenticity because these are not wall to wall classic hits like we had with the "Forrest Gump" soundtrack. Of course you are going to get tired of William's comedy long before you want to stop listening to the music. The only question is when, but since we can program CDs to skip what we want, this is not going to be a major consideration. However, for all you Drew Carey fans, if you do not already have it, here are The Vogues doing "Five O'Clock World."

Good Album, But No Adrain Cronauer Voice Clips!!!!, 25 Jun 2003
Great album But Wasnt The Version I Was Looking For. I used To Have On Tape (Which I Cant Find Anymore) The Soundtrack. That Version Had Movie Clips Of Adrian Cronauer (Robin Williams) But This One Dosnt. So Before You Order If Its For The Funny Clips & The Great Music Then Dont Order This Version. But If Its For The Great Music Only Then This Is Superb. I Only Rated This 3 stars But If It Did Contain Said Voice Clips It Would have Been 5 For Sure. (",)

The Sound of the Film, 21 Sep 2000
This CD captures the essence of the film set in the 1960s and the music classics. With intermittent bursts of sounds of the film, it is the essential Good Morning Vietnam fan's piece of memoribilia. The music combined with the graphic memories, such as Robin Williams teaching the locals baseball, the bombing of the bar and twin radio clerks. It combines the good humour of the film, but reminds you of the waste of the Vietnam War.

The "Essential" Purcell? Well, you could get a bunch of critics to argue about that for a few days, but in the meantime, here is a sampler of highlights from the King's Consort's three admirable Purcell series: the Complete Odes and Welcome Songs, Complete Anthems and Services, and Complete Secular Solo Songs. There are, of course, some of Purcell's most-performed pieces (which probably are "essential"): Dido's Lament from Dido and Aeneas, "Sound the trumpet" from Come, ye sons of Art, Rejoice in the Lord always (the "Bell Anthem," named for the string figure at the opening that sounds like pealing bells), the gently patriotic "Fairest isle, all isles excelling" (sung by a miscast James Bowman), and a selection from the funeral music for Queen Mary. There are also some delightful surprises--particularly among the little-known secular songs and church music. The plaintive "O fair Cedaria" gets a lovely performance by Barbara Bonney (a singer not usually associated with Purcell); tenor Rogers Covey-Crump (possibly the ideal high tenor for Purcell) sings the enchanting "If music be the food of love"; the church anthems "Let mine eyes run down with tears" and "Remember not, O Lord, our offences" have some startling harmonies as daring as any Monteverdi ever wrote. If you're unfamiliar with Purcell, this reasonably priced disc is a good place to start exploring without a big initial investment. --Matthew Westphal

Tams, doing his thing!, 11 Jan 2008
Before watching Sharpe I had never heard of John Tams, and quite frankly my music collection was the poorer for it! This album is a fantastic mix of score from the shows and traditional folk songs of the period performed by Tams and his mate Barry Coope with an amazing guest performance from the wonderful Kate Rusby. A must have for all fans of John Tams, Kate Rusby, Sharpe and great British folk music!

Nar x

Well worth listening to, 16 May 2007
It's perhaps not the best album you'll ever buy,but for Sharpe fans it's a must.
The arrangements are a bit different from the TV series, but so what. John Tam's rendering of 'Over the Hills' and 'The Spanish bride' are brilliant. Equally so the tunes covered by Kate Rusby.
I personally don't think the tunes by the military band add anything, but I still love the album. You can always use the skip button on your CD player!

Different in a good way, 29 Apr 2007
Ok so as other people have said, it isnt necerssarily true to the TV series, over the hills and far away loses some of its charm, however I still find this an excellent album.

The CD gives a good mix of folk and marching music, with some of the arrangements being very well produced. John Tams' music is excellent, and I found the Regimental/ Military music a nice change from the usual folk CD's. Collier Recriut sounds fantastic sung by Kate Rusby, likewise it was nice to hear the full version of Johhny's Gone for a Solider in its true form.

If your excpecting the music as it was on the TV you'll be dissapointed, however if you're willing to listen to it end to end it provides an enjoyable hour or so of easy listening and captivating music.

My one major critisism is the length of some of the songs, Gentleman Soldier to the tune of British Grenadiers would have been far better with a few instrumental versus or even the more tradition lyrics "Some talk of Alexander, and some of Hercules..." encasing it.

In short, buy it if your willing to listen to something a little different to everything else in your CD collection and dont mind modern instruments used to enhance old music.

THERE SHOULD BE MORE OF IT !, 11 Apr 2007
Being a confirmed "SHARPE" fan ,when Amazon offered the CD I jumped at the chance of buying it, particularly as I had not seen it offered in Australia. I was undetered by the very adverse comments contained in some of the reviews, and generally speaking. I was glad I was.
Thee really should be more of offering embracing as it does both military and social history. Apart from "SONGS AND MUSIC OF THE REDCOATS" -which appeared in vinyl and was inspired by the seminal book of the same name -it seems a most neglected genre .
Certainly it might have been done better: omissions such as "THE OWL" and particularly, the "RIFLEMAN'S SONG" from the same era are quite surprising . On the other hand, while I notice that a reviwer complains of the brevity of 'THE ROGUES' MARCH" ,that's really all there was. The only possible second verse would be "FIFTY I GOT FOR SELLING MY COAT,FIFTY FOR SELLING MY BLANKET..." as a boast of the number of lashes received as a consequence.
Then we come to the particularly vexed question of how folk songs should be accompanied and presented. The question of whether out-of-period instruments should be used has been a contentious issue from Vaughan Williams to Steeleye Span. Personally, I have no objection providing the 'Spirit" of the song is preserved, which seems to be the case here
In the aforementioned "SONGS AND MUSIC OF THE REDCOATS" recording ,"OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY" was rendered in its original early 18th.century form:- " QUEEN ANNE COMMANDS AND WE OBEY..." with the vocalist accompanied by a pair of Recorders, yet can it be said that this was a more "authentic" rendition ?

To conclude on a sour note, there is a Horrible Howler perpetrated in the cover notes. According to this source the 95th. were the " Light Brigade"- someone should get Fifty lashes for that!



The Peninsular War condensed into 52 and a half minutes of musical enjoyment., 25 Feb 2007
I've been re-watching Sharpe, and having long-admired the music of the series, decided it was about time I bought the soundtrack.
I must admit that having read the mixed reviews, it was not without a sense of trepidation that I ordered the CD.
I'm happy to report that it lived up to my expectations, and more. From the opening bars of "The Overture" to the closing track, "Sharpe's Song/ Sharpe's Theme", I was captivated and transported to that time and place many of us have grown to love: Spanish mountains, French skies, loyal partisans, valiant heroes and repugnant villains, Waterloo, Wellington and of course, the Ninety-Fifth Rifles.
Let's clear a few things up.
No, not every piece of music recorded for the Sharpe series is on the CD.
Yes, there is plenty from the series, and the other songs - especially the vocal pieces - give a nice "flavour" of both the period and spirit of the Napoleonic Wars.
No, puritans who don't believe old instruments should be mixed with new will not like this.
Yes, everyone else will.

Band of Brothers (Kamen) [Soundtrack]., 06 Dec 2005
If you liked the series you will love the sound track. You will end up in a world of your own plus it's so relaxing just make sure you don't leave the kettle on!

Fans of the Show, 05 Feb 2004
This rating is based on the fact that I'm a big fan of the series. The music is wonderfully evocative and is great for easy listening background music.

If the Theme music for the series moves you then this is for you especially if you like classical music.

Unmatched Accompaniment to a Majestic Series, 29 Aug 2003
Since purchasing this album, I've listened to virtually nothing else. The Main Theme alone is probably one of the most moving pieces of music written in the last fifty years; the two Suites are admirable and vastly 'listenable' alternative takes on the rest of the score, and the selection that makes up the rest of the album is superb. The string quartet is enough to make you cry, and the final track, featuring a choral accompaniment to the main theme is strangley uplifting. The TV series is the ultimate statement of there being no glory in war, only infinite sadness, and this album echoes and enhances that sentiment without becoming mawkish. I know of no other soundtrack that both matches its source perfectly, yet remains a masterpiece in its own right. Utterly, utterly wonderful.

Excellent, 21 Jan 2002
This Soundtrack recaptures the moving account of the famous Easy Company in the Band of Brothers series.It's not hard to feel very emotional when listening to the various tracks.Highly recommended

Emotional bliss!, 02 Jan 2002
Superb from the first moment that you here the main theme you know this is something special!

Haunting, perfect and captures a past time superbly, soundtracks don't get much better than this!

To add to this the two Band Of Brothers Suite's are excellent, all the music reminds you of scene's from the series and its finale with Austria and the exceptional Band Of Brothers Requim put this in a class of its own.

Michael Kamen should be proud, this music is everything it should be and a little more. Buy and listen! For any person who likes classical film music this belongs right up there with John Williams! Superb and the emotional impact is huge. Thank you for producing such a wonderfull soundtrack!

spain remembered, 29 Jul 2008
as the old saying goes{i may not know art but i know what i like}. i may not be an expert on spanish classical guitar music but this cd is excellent. track 5 disc 1 is 10 minutes of heaven.you may recognise it as the music from the film el cid.there are 1 or 2 tracks that dont quite hit the mark but mostly this is a fantastic compilation album and will satisfy most peoples needs. just relax with a bottle of rioja,turn off your phone and dont answer the door bell. you will be transported back to that little secret tapas bar that only you and your loved one know about. the sevilla feria 05 is where it takes us.

Excellent CD - But may only be suitable for the enthusiasts., 30 Mar 2002
Those at "The Only Album You'll Ever Need" studios have really succeeded in putting together an excellent arrangement of 34 masterpieces for the classical guitar in "The Only Guitar Album You'll Ever Need."

It is true that classical guitar playing attracts only a limited range of people, but even if you only mildly enjoy or are the slightest bit interested in hearing works by famous guitar composers such as Rodrigo, Villa-Lobos or even Bach, then "The Only Guitar Album You'll Ever Need" won't fail to please you.

I was content to see that the majority of the most famous guitar pieces were included here; including 'Concierto de Aranjeuz' (if only the second movement) and 'Cavatina' (this time played by Simon Dinnegan); as even if you already have these hits on your shelf, it is surprising and refreshing to see how incredibly different they can sound in the hands of the various artists and conductors presented here. The works are played by a range of different guitarists; including Bream, Williams and Dinnegan; and it is breathtaking to hear John Williams and Julian Bream battle it out in Falla's 'Spanish Dance No. 1' (from La Vida Breve).

I don't have any criticisms of the collection put together on this two-hour plus double CD, or the quality of the recordings. Realistically with all the guitar material available it is not hard to put together an album of classical guitar successes- 'Miller's Dance' by Falla leaves the listener energised whilst Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjeuz' will leave you deeply moved. It is satisfying to say that the collection offers a good concoction of material with a broad spectrum of guitar pieces.

Still, if you aren't stirred at the sound of the words 'Concierto de Aranjeuz,' and have little interest in guitar playing of the classical kind, maybe this isn't the CD for you.

Wonderful Music to Accompany a Wonderful Series, 24 Aug 2005
The story of the American Civil War had never been so well covered until Ken Burns undertook his monumental undertaking a few years ago. The music CD covers all the main musical themes which accompanied the series and make no mistake, its wonderful! What I like about it is the simple melodies taken from the well know folk songs which existed at the time. The highlight is of course is Ashoken Farewell. Its haunting. If you saw the series and enjoyed it like I did, then this CD is a great buy.

I loved the soundtrack of the Ken Burns documentary, 23 Jun 2005
The music is good enough to stand on its own merits and I would recommend the CD for anyone interested in the music of the era.

Worth it for the Ashokan Farewell alone!, 07 Oct 2004
This is a beautifully recorded reminder of the music used on the Burns' Civil War TV series. I bought it for one tune...the "Ashokan Farewell" used as the series' theme which is terribly evocative of the 1860's, the loneliness of the soldier away from family and familiar surroundings, caught up in a conflict unprecedented in the continental United States. I thought it was a period piece but it was written for the series.
The remainder of the material is music contemporaneous with the Civil War, played in a straightforward manner as they would have been in that far off time.
It's a good CD and worth having. I don't regret buying it and neither will you

Beautiful music underscores horrors of US Civil War....., 07 Dec 2003
When I watched The Civil War, Ken Burns' epic documentary, on PBS 13 years ago, I was not only moved by the mix of period paintings, photographs, voiceovers by great actors and David McCullough's wonderful narration, but I was captivated by the music in the soundtrack. From the poignant "Ashokan Farewell" (the signature theme of the film) to a beautiful choral presentation of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," the songs and military marches from the period added their powerful emotional content to an already engrossing television event.

The Civil War: Traditional American Songs and Instrumental Music Featured in the Film By Ken Burns is a treasure trove of musical gold. Its 28 tracks contain almost a full hour of military marches ("Parade," "Bonnie Blue Flag," "Palmyra Scottische"), sentimental songs ("Lorena," "Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier") and patriotic songs ("Dixie," "The Battle Cry of Freedom") that were popular in both North and South in the 1860s.

Of course, the track most listeners associate with both the documentary is the haunting "Ashokan Farewell," composed by Jay Ungar and performed by Ungar with Evan Stover, Matt Glaser, Molly Mason and Russ Barenger. It is a beautiful modern folk composition (originally heard in Fiddle Fever's "Waltz of the Wind" album) that reflects the tragic split between North and South that resulted in America's ugliest and bloodiest war. It is presented twice on this album, first in its entirety (track 3) and closes the CD along with a reading of Sullivan Ballou's last letter to his wife shortly before his death at the first battle of Bull Run.

What strikes me after all these years is the creativity and care taken by the producers to make this a worthwhile listening experience. While some of the marches and patriotic songs are played by bands with brass and percussion instruments, others are played to great effect by unexpected instruments. "The Battle Cry of Freedom," one of the great marching songs in the Northern repertoire and normally performed bombastically by bands or choruses, is played here by pianist Jacqueline Schwab with delicate sensibility and simplicity. In a similar vein, "Marching Through Georgia" is heard as both a triumphant fiddle romp performed by Fiddle Fever to underscore the mood of Sherman's army, then it is a lament played mournfully by pianist Schwab to reflect the feelings of loss and defeat by Georgians caught in the path of the "March to the Sea." It is a devastatingly effective use of music that draws the listener's ears, heart and mind into the drama and horror of the Civil War era.

Civil war - pathos and patriotism, 16 Oct 2003
I love this CD. The music ranges from classic war-time marches to negro spirituals to haunting melodies which reflect the awfulness and the grandeur of war. The spoken parts, take from contemporary diaries, add great power to the sense of drama and sadness. The music speaks of the complex and yet engaging context of war.

good morning vietnam, 15 Jul 2008
the reviews next to the item I purchased are not applicable to this disc. There is no original soundtrack and Robin Williams is not on it nor are most of the original songs!

Like listening to Armed Forces Radio all over again..., 28 Jul 2004
The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of "Good Morning, Vietnam" is exactly what you would expect it to be, a combination of Robin William's maniacal spiels as DJ Adrian Cronauer and some great music from the Sixties. The result is something not too far removed from what it would have been like to listen to Armed Forces Radio in the 'Nam way back when. The only thing missing are the announcements for staff sergeant so-and-so to check in with his command post A.S.A.P. The songs included here are not exactly what you would classify as anti-war songs, although certainly there is something ironic about "Nowhere to Run," "Liar, Liar" and "What a Wonderful World" in the context of the Vietnam War. There is also a nice mixture of big names, such as James Brown and the Beach Boys, with lesser known artists, like The Searchers, The Rivieras and Them. This actually gives this album a nice sense of authenticity because these are not wall to wall classic hits like we had with the "Forrest Gump" soundtrack. Of course you are going to get tired of William's comedy long before you want to stop listening to the music. The only question is when, but since we can program CDs to skip what we want, this is not going to be a major consideration. However, for all you Drew Carey fans, if you do not already have it, here are The Vogues doing "Five O'Clock World."

Good Album, But No Adrain Cronauer Voice Clips!!!!, 25 Jun 2003
Great album But Wasnt The Version I Was Looking For. I used To Have On Tape (Which I Cant Find Anymore) The Soundtrack. That Version Had Movie Clips Of Adrian Cronauer (Robin Williams) But This One Dosnt. So Before You Order If Its For The Funny Clips & The Great Music Then Dont Order This Version. But If Its For The Great Music Only Then This Is Superb. I Only Rated This 3 stars But If It Did Contain Said Voice Clips It Would have Been 5 For Sure. (",)

The Sound of the Film, 21 Sep 2000
This CD captures the essence of the film set in the 1960s and the music classics. With intermittent bursts of sounds of the film, it is the essential Good Morning Vietnam fan's piece of memoribilia. The music combined with the graphic memories, such as Robin Williams teaching the locals baseball, the bombing of the bar and twin radio clerks. It combines the good humour of the film, but reminds you of the waste of the Vietnam War.

Wonderful, moving and faultless performances., 01 Nov 2008
This is very enjoyable, and Dido's 'When I am laid in the cold ground' is especially moving, especially at this time of year! (England in a damp November!)

Can't be faulted, 14 May 2007
Very rarely does a disc come along which hits all the spots: excellent recording quality, perfect pacing, superb track listing and top class performance.

This is one of those discs. It even gets ten out of ten for price: this is one of those budget-priced "sampler" cd's, which, although all the tracks are full-length and unedited, it is geared towards selling the many other releases of Purcell by Robert King.

However don't let this put you off: the running order has been compiled with due care and attention. This album stands up as a classic in its own right.

Excellent Purcell Disc, 02 Dec 2002
With this album director and Purcell expert Robert King provides the listener with an excellent introduction to the composer's vocal works. The pieces presented here were taken from Mr. King's recordings of 'The Complete Odes and Welcome Songs', 'The Complete Anthems and Services', 'The Complete Secular Solo Songs' and diverse anthology discs. King, his wonderful soloists and musicians do the brilliance of Purcell's music fully justice. Whether he was commissioned by royalty, the church or theatre, Purcell shone in all areas. This disc definitely demonstrates the diversity of his art, not to speak of his uncanny ability of setting words to music.

An outstanding Purcell offering. With a beautiful perfomance by Barbara Bonney of 'Oh, fair Cedaria'. Susan Gritton is equally captivating in 'She loves and she confesses too'. Gillian Fisher's rendition of the famous 'Dido's Lament' is haunting and poignant. Further an intelligent and brilliant 'Hosanna to the highest' by Michael George. James Bowman and Michael Chance sparkle in the countertenor duet 'Sound the trumpet' (from 'Come Ye sons of Art away'). And I should not forget to mention the joyous, luminous performance of the beautiful 'Bell Anthem'. To name but a few favourites, only James Bowman's 'Fairest Isle' was a disappointment.

Those who are familiar with Purcell's music will get an excellent disc with some of his most beloved works. If you are new to Purcell, this is, as already said a great introduction. Which might be the incentive to further explorations of Purcell.

by stardustraven

Tams, doing his thing!, 11 Jan 2008
Before watching Sharpe I had never heard of John Tams, and quite frankly my music collection was the poorer for it! This album is a fantastic mix of score from the shows and traditional folk songs of the period performed by Tams and his mate Barry Coope with an amazing guest performance from the wonderful Kate Rusby. A must have for all fans of John Tams, Kate Rusby, Sharpe and great British folk music!

Nar x

Well worth listening to, 16 May 2007
It's perhaps not the best album you'll ever buy,but for Sharpe fans it's a must.
The arrangements are a bit different from the TV series, but so what. John Tam's rendering of 'Over the Hills' and 'The Spanish bride' are brilliant. Equally so the tunes covered by Kate Rusby.
I personally don't think the tunes by the military band add anything, but I still love the album. You can always use the skip button on your CD player!

Different in a good way, 29 Apr 2007
Ok so as other people have said, it isnt necerssarily true to the TV series, over the hills and far away loses some of its charm, however I still find this an excellent album.

The CD gives a good mix of folk and marching music, with some of the arrangements being very well produced. John Tams' music is excellent, and I found the Regimental/ Military music a nice change from the usual folk CD's. Collier Recriut sounds fantastic sung by Kate Rusby, likewise it was nice to hear the full version of Johhny's Gone for a Solider in its true form.

If your excpecting the music as it was on the TV you'll be dissapointed, however if you're willing to listen to it end to end it provides an enjoyable hour or so of easy listening and captivating music.

My one major critisism is the length of some of the songs, Gentleman Soldier to the tune of British Grenadiers would have been far better with a few instrumental versus or even the more tradition lyrics "Some talk of Alexander, and some of Hercules..." encasing it.

In short, buy it if your willing to listen to something a little different to everything else in your CD collection and dont mind modern instruments used to enhance old music.

THERE SHOULD BE MORE OF IT !, 11 Apr 2007
Being a confirmed "SHARPE" fan ,when Amazon offered the CD I jumped at the chance of buying it, particularly as I had not seen it offered in Australia. I was undetered by the very adverse comments contained in some of the reviews, and generally speaking. I was glad I was.
Thee really should be more of offering embracing as it does both military and social history. Apart from "SONGS AND MUSIC OF THE REDCOATS" -which appeared in vinyl and was inspired by the seminal book of the same name -it seems a most neglected genre .
Certainly it might have been done better: omissions such as "THE OWL" and particularly, the "RIFLEMAN'S SONG" from the same era are quite surprising . On the other hand, while I notice that a reviwer complains of the brevity of 'THE ROGUES' MARCH" ,that's really all there was. The only possible second verse would be "FIFTY I GOT FOR SELLING MY COAT,FIFTY FOR SELLING MY BLANKET..." as a boast of the number of lashes received as a consequence.
Then we come to the particularly vexed question of how folk songs should be accompanied and presented. The question of whether out-of-period instruments should be used has been a contentious issue from Vaughan Williams to Steeleye Span. Personally, I have no objection providing the 'Spirit" of the song is preserved, which seems to be the case here
In the aforementioned "SONGS AND MUSIC OF THE REDCOATS" recording ,"OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY" was rendered in its original early 18th.century form:- " QUEEN ANNE COMMANDS AND WE OBEY..." with the vocalist accompanied by a pair of Recorders, yet can it be said that this was a more "authentic" rendition ?

To conclude on a sour note, there is a Horrible Howler perpetrated in the cover notes. According to this source the 95th. were the " Light Brigade"- someone should get Fifty lashes for that!



The Peninsular War condensed into 52 and a half minutes of musical enjoyment., 25 Feb 2007
I've been re-watching Sharpe, and having long-admired the music of the series, decided it was about time I bought the soundtrack.
I must admit that having read the mixed reviews, it was not without a sense of trepidation that I ordered the CD.
I'm happy to report that it lived up to my expectations, and more. From the opening bars of "The Overture" to the closing track, "Sharpe's Song/ Sharpe's Theme", I was captivated and transported to that time and place many of us have grown to love: Spanish mountains, French skies, loyal partisans, valiant heroes and repugnant villains, Waterloo, Wellington and of course, the Ninety-Fifth Rifles.
Let's clear a few things up.
No, not every piece of music recorded for the Sharpe series is on the CD.
Yes, there is plenty from the series, and the other songs - especially the vocal pieces - give a nice "flavour" of both the period and spirit of the Napoleonic Wars.
No, puritans who don't believe old instruments should be mixed with new will not like this.
Yes, everyone else will.

Band of Brothers (Kamen) [Soundtrack]., 06 Dec 2005
If you liked the series you will love the sound track. You will end up in a world of your own plus it's so relaxing just make sure you don't leave the kettle on!

Fans of the Show, 05 Feb 2004
This rating is based on the fact that I'm a big fan of the series. The music is wonderfully evocative and is great for easy listening background music.

If the Theme music for the series moves you then this is for you especially if you like classical music.

Unmatched Accompaniment to a Majestic Series, 29 Aug 2003
Since purchasing this album, I've listened to virtually nothing else. The Main Theme alone is probably one of the most moving pieces of music written in the last fifty years; the two Suites are admirable and vastly 'listenable' alternative takes on the rest of the score, and the selection that makes up the rest of the album is superb. The string quartet is enough to make you cry, and the final track, featuring a choral accompaniment to the main theme is strangley uplifting. The TV series is the ultimate statement of there being no glory in war, only infinite sadness, and this album echoes and enhances that sentiment without becoming mawkish. I know of no other soundtrack that both matches its source perfectly, yet remains a masterpiece in its own right. Utterly, utterly wonderful.

Excellent, 21 Jan 2002
This Soundtrack recaptures the moving account of the famous Easy Company in the Band of Brothers series.It's not hard to feel very emotional when listening to the various tracks.Highly recommended

Emotional bliss!, 02 Jan 2002
Superb from the first moment that you here the main theme you know this is something special!

Haunting, perfect and captures a past time superbly, soundtracks don't get much better than this!

To add to this the two Band Of Brothers Suite's are excellent, all the music reminds you of scene's from the series and its finale with Austria and the exceptional Band Of Brothers Requim put this in a class of its own.

Michael Kamen should be proud, this music is everything it should be and a little more. Buy and listen! For any person who likes classical film music this belongs right up there with John Williams! Superb and the emotional impact is huge. Thank you for producing such a wonderfull soundtrack!

spain remembered, 29 Jul 2008
as the old saying goes{i may not know art but i know what i like}. i may not be an expert on spanish classical guitar music but this cd is excellent. track 5 disc 1 is 10 minutes of heaven.you may recognise it as the music from the film el cid.there are 1 or 2 tracks that dont quite hit the mark but mostly this is a fantastic compilation album and will satisfy most peoples needs. just relax with a bottle of rioja,turn off your phone and dont answer the door bell. you will be transported back to that little secret tapas bar that only you and your loved one know about. the sevilla feria 05 is where it takes us.

Excellent CD - But may only be suitable for the enthusiasts., 30 Mar 2002
Those at "The Only Album You'll Ever Need" studios have really succeeded in putting together an excellent arrangement of 34 masterpieces for the classical guitar in "The Only Guitar Album You'll Ever Need."

It is true that classical guitar playing attracts only a limited range of people, but even if you only mildly enjoy or are the slightest bit interested in hearing works by famous guitar composers such as Rodrigo, Villa-Lobos or even Bach, then "The Only Guitar Album You'll Ever Need" won't fail to please you.

I was content to see that the majority of the most famous guitar pieces were included here; including 'Concierto de Aranjeuz' (if only the second movement) and 'Cavatina' (this time played by Simon Dinnegan); as even if you already have these hits on your shelf, it is surprising and refreshing to see how incredibly different they can sound in the hands of the various artists and conductors presented here. The works are played by a range of different guitarists; including Bream, Williams and Dinnegan; and it is breathtaking to hear John Williams and Julian Bream battle it out in Falla's 'Spanish Dance No. 1' (from La Vida Breve).

I don't have any criticisms of the collection put together on this two-hour plus double CD, or the quality of the recordings. Realistically with all the guitar material available it is not hard to put together an album of classical guitar successes- 'Miller's Dance' by Falla leaves the listener energised whilst Rodrigo's 'Concierto de Aranjeuz' will leave you deeply moved. It is satisfying to say that the collection offers a good concoction of material with a broad spectrum of guitar pieces.

Still, if you aren't stirred at the sound of the words 'Concierto de Aranjeuz,' and have little interest in guitar playing of the classical kind, maybe this isn't the CD for you.

Wonderful Music to Accompany a Wonderful Series, 24 Aug 2005
The story of the American Civil War had never been so well covered until Ken Burns undertook his monumental undertaking a few years ago. The music CD covers all the main musical themes which accompanied the series and make no mistake, its wonderful! What I like about it is the simple melodies taken from the well know folk songs which existed at the time. The highlight is of course is Ashoken Farewell. Its haunting. If you saw the series and enjoyed it like I did, then this CD is a great buy.

I loved the soundtrack of the Ken Burns documentary, 23 Jun 2005
The music is good enough to stand on its own merits and I would recommend the CD for anyone interested in the music of the era.

Worth it for the Ashokan Farewell alone!, 07 Oct 2004
This is a beautifully recorded reminder of the music used on the Burns' Civil War TV series. I bought it for one tune...the "Ashokan Farewell" used as the series' theme which is terribly evocative of the 1860's, the loneliness of the soldier away from family and familiar surroundings, caught up in a conflict unprecedented in the continental United States. I thought it was a period piece but it was written for the series.
The remainder of the material is music contemporaneous with the Civil War, played in a straightforward manner as they would have been in that far off time.
It's a good CD and worth having. I don't regret buying it and neither will you

Beautiful music underscores horrors of US Civil War....., 07 Dec 2003
When I watched The Civil War, Ken Burns' epic documentary, on PBS 13 years ago, I was not only moved by the mix of period paintings, photographs, voiceovers by great actors and David McCullough's wonderful narration, but I was captivated by the music in the soundtrack. From the poignant "Ashokan Farewell" (the signature theme of the film) to a beautiful choral presentation of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," the songs and military marches from the period added their powerful emotional content to an already engrossing television event.

The Civil War: Traditional American Songs and Instrumental Music Featured in the Film By Ken Burns is a treasure trove of musical gold. Its 28 tracks contain almost a full hour of military marches ("Parade," "Bonnie Blue Flag," "Palmyra Scottische"), sentimental songs ("Lorena," "Johnny Has Gone For A Soldier") and patriotic songs ("Dixie," "The Battle Cry of Freedom") that were popular in both North and South in the 1860s.

Of course, the track most listeners associate with both the documentary is the haunting "Ashokan Farewell," composed by Jay Ungar and performed by Ungar with Evan Stover, Matt Glaser, Molly Mason and Russ Barenger. It is a beautiful modern folk composition (originally heard in Fiddle Fever's "Waltz of the Wind" album) that reflects the tragic split between North and South that resulted in America's ugliest and bloodiest war. It is presented twice on this album, first in its entirety (track 3) and closes the CD along with a reading of Sullivan Ballou's last letter to his wife shortly before his death at the first battle of Bull Run.

What strikes me after all these years is the creativity and care taken by the producers to make this a worthwhile listening experience. While some of the marches and patriotic songs are played by bands with brass and percussion instruments, others are played to great effect by unexpected instruments. "The Battle Cry of Freedom," one of the great marching songs in the Northern repertoire and normally performed bombastically by bands or choruses, is played here by pianist Jacqueline Schwab with delicate sensibility and simplicity. In a similar vein, "Marching Through Georgia" is heard as both a triumphant fiddle romp performed by Fiddle Fever to underscore the mood of Sherman's army, then it is a lament played mournfully by pianist Schwab to reflect the feelings of loss and defeat by Georgians caught in the path of the "March to the Sea." It is a devastatingly effective use of music that draws the listener's ears, heart and mind into the drama and horror of the Civil War era.

Civil war - pathos and patriotism, 16 Oct 2003
I love this CD. The music ranges from classic war-time marches to negro spirituals to haunting melodies which reflect the awfulness and the grandeur of war. The spoken parts, take from contemporary diaries, add great power to the sense of drama and sadness. The music speaks of the complex and yet engaging context of war.

good morning vietnam, 15 Jul 2008
the reviews next to the item I purchased are not applicable to this disc. There is no original soundtrack and Robin Williams is not on it nor are most of the original songs!

Like listening to Armed Forces Radio all over again..., 28 Jul 2004
The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of "Good Morning, Vietnam" is exactly what you would expect it to be, a combination of Robin William's maniacal spiels as DJ Adrian Cronauer and some great music from the Sixties. The result is something not too far removed from what it would have been like to listen to Armed Forces Radio