Still known for their proficiency in
music, the Civil War became the breathing ground for the genesis of
musical legends like Elvis Presley and Lyndy Skyward. Music played a
dominant role during the American Civil war on both sides of conflict
that was: Union and Confederate.
The Civil War Music witnessed
inclusion of a wide array of instruments, including fifes, bugles and
drums. Interestingly these instruments were played to issue marching
orders or sometimes simply to boost the morale of one's fellow
soldiers. In fact music and singing were used as a stress buster
during this period. The music during the civil war was
employed as a recreational activity as it facilitated release from
the inevitable tensions that come with fighting in a war,
particularly a war in which the issue of freedom of a race is to be
decided.
Music was also a source to overcome
the difficulties and negativity faced by the soldiers during the war.
It was a way to divert the attention of the men in uniform from the
bloodshed, helping the soldiers deal with homesickness and boredom.
Among other activities the soldiers who were at war with each other
often engaged in recreational activities with musical instruments.
Also, the bands representing the sides in conflict often played
against each other on the night before a battle.
Music playing a key role during the
war many soldiers brought musical instruments from their native place
to the camp to pass time. Thus, other than arms and ammunitions
Banjos, fiddles, and guitars were a common site at these camps. Apart
from drums, the instruments Confederates played were either acquired
before the war, or imported, due to the lack of brass and the
industry to make such instruments.
The first song written during the
war was The First Gun is Fired and it was first published and
distributed three days after the Battle of Fort Sumter. It was one
George F. Root, who wrote it and is said to be one to produce the
most songs of on war, the count is a whopping 30 in all. Lincoln once
wrote a letter to Root, saying, "You have done more than a
hundred generals and a thousand orators".
As mentioned, musical duels between
the two sides were common, as they heard each other as the music
traveled across the countryside. One of famous and most interesting
incidents during civil war establishing the role of music is that the
night before the Battle of Stones River, musical bands from both
sides dueled with separate songs. Finally, both sides started playing
Home! Sweet Home!, at which time soldiers on both sides started
singing together as one!
