

Symphonies became bigger and longer, piano playing reached a new level of virtuosity, music drew from art and literature, and operas were even more dramatic. Lasting from approximately 1830-1900, the Romantic Era of Western art music was defined by the exploration and expansion of expression and the inventiveness of techniques and instruments to achieve it. Even though the universality of music broke down regional ideological divides during the war, the distinctiveness of each popular genre needs its own exploration.Ī portrait print of Romantic Era composer Robert Schumann. Military bands also played music that instructed soldiers when to eat, go to bed, and even charge into battle. It was played on the march before and after battle. Military bands and the music they played inspired patriotism and fighting spirit. They sang hymns and spirituals at church services and religious events. They attended concerts or minstrel shows as a source of entertainment. This is even true with how civilians, and later soldiers, listened and were exposed to different types of ensembles and pieces during this time period. Although divided by conflict, the universal language of music often stretched across the great chasm the war produced. Closer to home, musical styles such as sacred music, brass bands, and minstrel shows were popular in both the North and South. Western art music experienced what later became known as the Romantic Era. Even against such a backdrop as a civil war, music, musicians, and the role of music in the United States from 1861-1865 was just as diverse as it is today. Despite four years of terrible strife and horrendous losses, numerous songs and airs became ingrained in popular culture during the American Civil War. People gravitate towards certain sounds, instruments, beats, and lyrics, catapulting some pieces of music firmly into popular culture. It has spoken to all societies and cultures throughout history and will continue to do so far into the future.

African Americans During the Revolutionary War.The First American President: Setting the Precedent.

One such claim from a Union soldier states that the song "put as much spirit and cheer into the camp as a splendid victory. There are many anecdotes in diaries, reminiscences, and newspapers concerning the inspirational effects of the song. Root wrote "The Battle Cry of Freedom." The song was first introduced at a war rally in Chicago on Jand was soon sung by millions of Americans from New York to California. In the midst of the Civil War, on July 2, 1862, President Lincoln issued a call for 300,000 volunteers to enter military service.
