Civil War: The Complete Work, The (Musical) Lyrics
Civil War: The Complete Work, The Lyrics
- Disk 1
- Prologue
- Brother, My Brother
- Lincoln: The Better Angels Of Our Nature
- By The Sword/Sons Of Dixie
- Tell My Father
- My Name Is Fredrick Douglass
- Freedom's Child
- Missing You (My Bill)
- If Prayin' Were Horses
- Virginia
- The Day The Sun Stood Still
- Oh, Be Joyful!
- Frederick Douglass: The Destiny Of America
- Father How Long?
- Reprise: Brother, My Brother
- A Nurse's Diary
- I Never Knew His Name
- Still I Rise
- River Jordan
- Disk 2
- Lincoln: The Bottom Is Out Of The Tub
- How Many Devils?
- Old Gray Coat
- With These Hands
- The White House At Night
- A Candle In The Window
- Greenback
- Sojourner Truth: Ain't I A Woman?
-
Someday
-
Regimental Drummer
- I'll Never Pass This Way Again
- Lincoln: Letter To Mrs. Bixby
-
Five Boys
-
Judgment Day
- Sarah
- The Honor Of Your Name
- Northbound Train
- Last Waltz For Dixie
- In Great Deeds
- For The Glory
Civil War: The Complete Work, The Musical Description
The Civil War: The Complete Work.
Overview.
The Civil War is a musical by Frank Wildhorn, Gregory Boyd, and Jack Murphy. It delves into the American Civil War, presenting perspectives from Union and Confederate soldiers, as well as enslaved individuals. The musical blends gospel, folk, country, rock, and rhythm and blues to convey its narrative.
Production History.
The musical premiered at Houston's Alley Theatre on September 16, 1998. It featured Linda Eder as Hanna Hopes and Keith Byron Kirk as Frederick Douglass. Following its initial run, it opened on Broadway at the St. James Theatre on April 22, 1999, closing after 61 performances. The Broadway cast included Beth Leavel as Mabel/Mrs. Bixby and Matt Bogart as Private Sam Taylor.
Concept Album: The Complete Work.
In 1999, a studio cast album titled The Civil War: The Complete Work was released. This two-disc set features 39 tracks, combining songs and narratives to capture the era's essence. Notable contributors include James Garner, Danny Glover, and Maya Angelou, who provide spoken word segments. Musical performances by artists such as Linda Eder, Hootie & the Blowfish, and Travis Tritt enrich the album.
Track Highlights.
Some standout tracks from the album include:
- "Brother, My Brother" – Michael Lanning.
- "Tell My Father" – Kevin Sharp.
- "Freedom's Child" – Hootie & the Blowfish.
- "Missing You (My Bill)" – Deana Carter.
- "The Day the Sun Stood Still" – Travis Tritt.
These songs, among others, offer a poignant exploration of the Civil War's emotional landscape.
Reception.
The album has been praised for its ambitious scope and emotional depth. One reviewer noted, "The Civil War is undoubtedly an awesome and moving listening experience. I was blown away by some of the material, and the whole collection is extremely entertaining."
Legacy.
While the stage production had a brief Broadway run, "The Civil War: The Complete Work" album stands as a testament to the creators' dedication to capturing a pivotal moment in American history through music and narrative. Its diverse musical styles and contributions from renowned artists make it a significant work in musical theater.
Release date: 1999