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