Brian Keane - The War That Made America: The Story of the French & Indian War

The War That Made America: The Story of the French and Indian War (Original Soundtrack Recording from the PBS Special) composed by Brian Keane

Ten time Emmy winning composer and Grammy winning producer Brian Keane crafted a unique soundtrack to the  PBS special, The War That Made America (The Story of the French and Indian War), a fascinating story about the foundations of America, it's winners and it's losers.

Taking place in the middle 1700's, Keane drenches the score in the atmosphere of the 18th century by employing the instruments and music of the time period including works by Handel, French court composer Jean Baptiste Lully, and others. One notable example is a haunting rendition of "D'une Nouvelle Terre" sung by countertenor Marshall Coid accompanied by a baroque orchestra. The piece was written in 18th century French Canada to commemorate the defeat of General Braddock at the hands of a much smaller French and Indian force.

Traditional Iroquois and Six Nations music, performed by Six Nations singers and musicians is also a key component of the score. This soundtrack provides a rare glimpse into the traditional music of the eastern American Indians.

Brian Keane's trademark melodic composing is in evidence here too, with the beautiful "Early Americans", and the tragic "Vanishing World" among others. Keane turns the music from beautiful or tragic to exciting and even terrifying, all while staying within the vernacular of the 18th century. This is a score that weaves all these fascinating elements together into an absolutely unique listening experience.

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