Gods and Generals

1	Going Home / Mary Fahl 4:56
2	Gods and Generals 3:42
3	You Must Not Worry for Us 2:09
4	Loved I Not Honor Anymore 3:13
5	Lexington Is My Home 1:23
6	The School of the Soldier 3:58
7	Go to Their Graves Like Beds 2:24
8	My Heart Shall Not Fear 1:46
9	These Brave Irishmen / Paddy Moloney 2:51
10	To the Stone Wall 3:41
11	You'll Thank Me in the Morning 3:20
12	The First Crop of Corn / Paddy Moloney 3:26
13	My Home Is Virginia 4:24
14	No Photographs 2:53
15	Vmi Will Be Heard from Today 2:42
16	Too Much Sugar 1:56
17	Let Us Cross Over the River 2:48
18	The Soldier's Return 2:02
19	'Cross the Green Mountain / Bob Dylan 8:14

Barnes & Noble

After bringing Michael Shaara's novel The Killer Angels to the big screen in 1993 as Gettysburg, director Ron Maxwell returns to the Civil War with Shaara's son Jeff's prequel Gods and Generals, which re-creates the dramatic early days of the war, from 1861 until the eve of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. The films are also linked by Maxwell's choice of composer Randy Edelman, who once again conjures an appropriately sweeping musical backdrop. Starring Robert Duvall as General Robert E. Lee and Jeff Daniels as Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, Gods and Generals also benefits from the musical contributions of Grammy Award–winning composer and violinist Mark O'Connor, Bob Dylan, and former October Project lead singer Mary Fahl. Fahl's original song "Going Home" opens the film and poignantly reminds viewers that a soldier's most intense wish is simply to return home. Dylan's "Cross the Green Mountain" is a haunting, moving ballad that harkens back to his folky roots. Initial shipments of the soundtrack feature a limited-edition bonus DVD containing music videos, additional scenes from the film that will not appear in the theatrical release, director's notes, and the theatrical trailer for the film.

Barnes & Noble

After bringing Jeff Shaara's novel Gettysburg to the big screen in 1993, director Ron Maxwell returns to the Civil War with the prequel Gods and Generals, which re-creates the dramatic early days of the war -- from 1861 until the eve of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. The haunting score, by John Frizzell and Gettysburg composer Randy Edelman, is the perfect companion for a grand historical epic: a poignant, expansive work that gracefully captures the story's dramatic pulse. Thematically, Gods and Generals details the lives not only of pivotal characters General Robert E. Lee (Robert Duvall) and Colonel Joshua Chamberlain (Jeff Daniels), but also of the anonymous soldiers, wives, and families caught in the bloody, emotional conflict. From the simple, folk-like melodies that speak of war's personal tragedies to the soaring, orchestral passages that elucidate universal themes of honor, courage, and passion for personal liberty, Edelman and Frizzell's mastery of the medium is complete. Adding to the heroic air is October Project songwriter/vocalist Mary Fahl's soaring ballad, "Going Home," and Bob Dylan's deeply moving "Cross the Green Mountains" -- both especially commissioned for the film. Acclaimed violinist Mark O'Connor and the Chieftains' Paddy Moloney also guest on this fine recording. L.D. Beghtol

All Music Guide

The soundtrack to Gods and Generals features John Frizzell and Randy Edelman's score, which mixes orchestral, Celtic, folk, and bluegrass into an appropriately sweeping, patriotic backdrop to this sequel to Gettysburg. However, Frizzell and Edelman use these elements in a somber and usually reverent way more often than a bombastic one, as evinced by pieces such as the film's main theme, "Loved I Not Honor More," "My Home Is Virginia," and "You Must Not Worry for Us." While most of the score is subdued, "The School of the Soldier" and "No Photographs" have a lively, but still nostalgic, feel that adds some lightness to the album. The soundtrack's Celtic-influenced pieces also offer a refreshing change from the rest of the score's necessary weight, and feature the album's guest stars: Paddy Moloney lends his uilleann pipes to "The First Crop of Corn" and "These Brave Irishmen," while Mary Fahl's rich alto is showcased on "Going Home." Bob Dylan closes out Gods and Generals with "'Cross the Green Mountain," which sounds more contemporary than most of the rest of the album, but still has enough rustic warmth to complement it gracefully. Overall, the soundtrack is a dignified, understated affair, but has enough personality of its own to work outside of the film's context. Heather Phares