TODD GOODMAN: Symphony No. 1 "Fields of Crimson"

Todd Goodman

Symphony No. 1 "Fields of Crimson"

© 2003 Wrong Note Media, Inc. (687474079925)

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CIVIL WAR Battle of GETTYSBURG retold through music - "An historic performance for one of the country's promising young composers" says Bedford Gazette editor Chris Frear about this ground breaking symphony, the first of its kind.

notes

"Wonderfully Haunting. Well Done!" - Jeff Shaara, author Gods & Generals

WRONG NOTE MEDIA, INC. is excited to announce the release of the world premiere recording of Todd Goodman's Symphony No. 1 Fields of Crimson, the first civil war based symphony of its kind. The Altoona Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Nicholas Palmer, performs this work in the historic Mishler Theatre in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Fields of Crimson is the creative and evocative retelling of the battle of Gettysburg through the power of music. The five movement work takes the listener through pre-battle preparations, the three days of battle, and a heart warming elegy. Feelings of anxiousness, terror, horror, relief and excitement are well placed emotions felt throughout the listening of this tremendous new work.

The composer writes this of his work:
When I was a boy growing up in central Pennsylvania, the Civil War was an omnipresent theme. Although people didn't speak much about it, the ruins of battlefields, historical markers, and monuments, just to name a few, were always its constant reminder. The older I got, the more I realized how integral these few years of history were to the molding of the foundation of America. When I finally visited these battlefields, the impression left on my mind was one of humble and noble awe. Lives were lost for freedom; freedom from tyranny, freedom of rights, and freedom for life. Symphony No. 1 "Fields of Crimson" is my rendition of this story; my realization and understanding of the necessary horrible evil of war... and my memorial.

The piece is accompanied by a moving narration written by Bedford, Pennsylvania native Justin Cober, currently of Charlottesville, Virginia. The narration is written as diary entries from the perspective of an adolescent girl who lived in the town of Gettysburg in 1863. It tells of the tension in the average family home, the weather, the excitement, and the grief. Being read by central Pennsylvania TV personality Carolyn Donaldson, the narration and music combine and create a dramatic theatrical reenactment of these horrible yet crucial days in American History.

reviews

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  • Wonderful, heartfelt work
    author: Rod Ellem

    I thoroughly enjoyed the Symphony. I thought the work was wonderful. I felt Goodman's interpretation of the family's experience heartfelt. Indeed, it could be said to represent our feelings in any war where family are involved - or where war is so close you can smell it. I have to say, I was initially drawn to the CD through the wonderfully professional artwork. It is one of the most attractive Cd covers I have seen in a long time.

  • Seredipitous! Goodman was inspired.
    author: William Downes

    I am not a huge fan of contemporary classical music, but I am of the history of the Civil War. When I first heard of the recording, I felt compelled to buy it and hope for the best. I was not disappointed in the least. Goodman was inspired. The music is inspiring and conjures up images of the glory and horror of the Civil War. A great artistic work beautifull presented.

  • Wonderful, Powerful new work
    author: James Acker

    In its entirety, Todd Goodman’s Symphony No. 1, “The Fields of Crimson,” has very much impressed me.  In the right state of mind, it can be relaxing ands easy to listen to.   While I am not an expert on music, I do know what I like, and in many ways I would place this symphony in a class with the works of Wolfgang Amedeus Mozart.    Symphony No. 1, “Crimson Fields,” also reminds me of the sound track from Ken Burn’s film “The Civil War,” however, Todd’s symphony is far better in my opinion.  The use of dialogue between the musical selections not only emphasizes the music itself but also adds to the emotions that the music conveys to the listener.   This work has truly been a pleasure and I would strongly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to attend a performance of this work to do so.  I also want to invite anyone who appreciates good music and or history to purchase a copy of Todd Goodman’s Symphony No.1, “Crimson Fields”.  I truly believe that you will be as impressed as I have been with this magnificent work of music.

  • A moving work combining narration and beautiful music.
    author: Jack Rose

    The task of bringing something new to the battle of Gettysburg is a daunting one. Mr. Goodman's work has realized that goal brilliantly. From the opening movement, the sense of the ominous events to come is evident. The use of a narrator, speaking the words of a young child, effectively adds dimension to this story. We hear the child move from a sense of excitement and wonder through revulsion to resignation and the music underscores that journey effectively. The second movement describing the build up to the battle with its shades of Ives is wonderful and the heartfelt epilogue to the battle brings home the cost of such insanity better than words could alone.

  • author: Sandra Goodman

    The composer made me feel like I was right there while the battles were happening. The added written diary was a great plus to the piece. Wonderful Job!!!!!!!!!

  • Outstanding new classical
    author: perry kibler

    A great new addition to my collection, this was a refreshing change and a great work of art. The narration ties in beautifully and the the music is stirring and captivating. I couldn't give this a higher recomendation!

  • Well Done!
    author: Jeff Shaara, author, Gods and Generals

    I found the entire piece, including the spoken words, wonderfully haunting! Well Done, sir!

  • An historic performance for one of the country's promising young composers.
    author: Chris Frear, editor Bedford Gazette

    Todd's Symphony was pure pleasure to listen to. I had a high sense of anticipation to hear the recording, and Todd's creative, elegant work was full reward. He managed to weave modern elements into the symphony in a way that made it lively and memorable. Specifically, the rebel yell from the orchestra during Pickett's Charge and the elegiac singing at the opening of the final movement were unforgettable. I imagine that this will be viewed in time as an historic performance for one of the country's promising young composers.

  • Tears came to my eyes as I heard the Altoona Symphony Orchestra perform this mag
    author: Larry Yantz, civil war author and historian

    There are more books published on the American Civil War than any other event in our history. It is extremely difficult to discover something new and exciting about that most engaging period. "Fields of Crimson" by composer Todd Goodman is both new and exciting. Tears came to my eyes as I heard the Altoona Symphony Orchestra perform this magnificiant piece of music. The narration at the close of each days fight is delightfully novative. Fields of Crimson could easily have been used in the sound track of the movie Gettysburg. Anyone who enjoyed that film, or Gods and Generals, will love Todd's master piece. If you have ever walked the battlefield in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, read of that costly struggle, or just like refreshingly new classical music you will love Fields of Crimson. Having studied, collected artifacts and wirtten about the Civil War for over forty years it is difficult to find something new and interesting. I couldn't wait to get a copy of Fields of Crimson on CD!

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