Civil War: A Musical Legacy

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!