American Civil War Fantasy - East Texas Symphonic Band Concert - April 11th, 2022

The East Texas Symphonic Band performs "American Civil War Fantasy", composed by Jerry Bilik.
Listen to the Mockingbird
Dixieland
Camptown Races
John Brown's Body
The Battle Cry of Freedom
Maryland, My Maryland
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Just Before the Battle, Mother
The Battle Hymn of the Republic
Written in 1961, this piece was on of a number of works for the wind band meant to enlarge the serious repertoire for this emerging ensemble at a time in which the majority were transcriptions of well-known orchestral works, or those by contemporary composers written in the strident and discordant idioms that were popular in the late 50s, but not too widely accepted by the listening public. Jerry Bilik's artistry elevated these simple songs from such a difficult period in American history to a new level, and the piece's acceptance by the public was immediate.

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This was on my birthday.