Last time we discussed broadening our musical interests beyond the typical songs usually sung by reenactors. To help in that effort, we present an excellent list of recording of period music performed in correct style and usually on correct instruments. This list was compiled by Mr. Nicky Hughes and used with permission.

Homespun America: Music for Brass Band, Social Orchestra, and Choral Groups from the Mid-Nineteenth Century. Eastman Wind Ensemble and Chorale; Vox CDX5088 (Good sampling of Civil War era musical styles; not all instruments are of the period; extensive and informative notes).

Union and Liberty: Music Heard on the Northern Homefront during the American Civil War. D.C. Hall's New Concert and Quadrille Band; Dorian Recordings DOR-90197 (Superb performances of vocals and "social orchestra" music; good notes; this CD is the group's second &endash; the Þrst one was good too).

The Civil War: Its Music and Its Sounds: Frederick Fennell and the Eastman Wind Ensemble; Mercury (Phillips Classic Productions) 432 591-2 (pioneering recording originally issued during the Civil War Centennial; some tunes never performed better since).

The Music of Francis Johnson and His Contemporaries: Early Nineteenth Century Black Composers. The Chestnut Brass Company and Friends; Musicmasters 7029-2-C (artful orchestral performances but arrangements are often conjectural).

Our Musical Past: A Concert for Brass Band, Voice, and Piano. Frederick Fennell, Director; Library of Congress OMP 101/102.

The Wildcat regimental Band: The Regimental Band of the 105th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Wildcat Music, Home, PA (good representation of a very large brass band).

Music of the Civil War. Americus Brass Band, Summit records DCD126 (good performance by one of the longest-lived Civil War style bands).

Honor To Our Soldiers. Classical Brass, Musicmasters/BMG Music 0612-67075-2 DDD (accurate arrangements and instruments; well played but by a small ensemble).

Continued next month: