‘Battle of the Bands’ – This is a collection of military, nationalist and generally ‘inspiring’ and ‘patriotic’ music from the Cold War (friends and foes alike). Early on in the 2000s , while surfing the internet I came across a wonderful website with a vast collection of Soviet/Russian military and nationalist music with a capability to be downloaded. It is dramatic, exciting stuff and inspired me to search for more such music from other nations. I have assembled what I think is a representative collection of various pieces from both sides of the ‘Iron Curtain. Some years ago I was intending this collection be assenmbled on a CD and possibly sold in the bunker’s gift shop (after sorting out copyright issues of course). Unfortunately (from a fundraising POV it never happened (probably too militaristic for the staff). In any case I believe that the selections that follow are in the public domain, but if anyone has any problems with that let me know and I will immediately remove the piece in question.
Canada (National Anthem) – “O Canada”
“R. A. F. March Past for band (or orchestra)”
United Kingdom/ British Army -“UK-British-Grenadiers” The British ‘equivalent’ of the above but “The Empire” era.
United Kingdom – “UK-Pomp-and-Circumstance”
United Kingdom – “UK-Trumpet-Prelude”
United States of America – “USA-Stars-and-Stripes-Forever”
United States of America – “King Cotton”
United States of America – “USA-National-Emblem”
British Army Regimental March – “Killaloe”
Belgium – “Sambre-et-Meuse”
France –“La Marseillaise” – Mireille Mathieu …Even not understanding all of the words this brings tears to ones eyes! I can’t resist adding this link to a French “New Version” video. But in my opinion Mireille’s is the best!
France – “Les Huguenots”
Federal Republic of Germany “Panzerlied”
Federal Republic of Germany Luftwaffe March – “Aces High”
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics – Soviet National Anthem
“Preobrajensky March” from Our Response to NATO (1999) by Brass Band of the USSR Ministry of Defence, N. Nazarov, cond.. Track 3. – defiant, proud, in-your-face-NATO, arrogant but very rousing! And typically very (chip-on-the-shoulder) Russian.
The “Internationale” by Billy Bragg- the marching song of the international socialist/communist movement. Listen carefully to the words…very emotional!
Cossack Patrol – “Cavalry of the Steppes”
To get the full patriotic “Mother Russia” (or should I say “Soviet” experience you can link to this “10 hours of Soviet Communist Music” YouTube video.
