David Tschanz presented me with a copy of the music CD Emperor Triumphant (Original Classical Music of War) and said, “Write a review.” Long ago I learned that protests are a waste of time — you either do as David asks, or just ignore him and hope he goes away. Since he isn’t going away anytime soon, I am writing a review. My credentials for writing such a critique are a bit tenuous. I do like “classical” music, I am an organist (of sorts) and I’ve certainly listened to lots of music. On the strength of that, here goes. The first thing which struck me was the scant information given on the CD album notes. It says (in micro-scopic print) the music was composed and arranged by “Wynter.” There is absolutely no further information given on the composer or indeed, who actually performed the pieces. One must assume that “Wynter” (whoever he or she may be) performed the music on a synthesizer — or were tracks laid down and the music played by a sequencer (computer)? As the first selection (Cavalry Clash) began to play, I thought “Humm… this isn’t bad.” It was obvious that “Wynter” is a trained musician and not without a considerable degree of talent. The piece has a nice structure, good dynamics and reminded me of a modern-day version of a J.S. Bach fugue. Unfortunately, from there it was rather like a Winter Olympics skiing event — downhill. The second offering (The Imperial Ball) might have been titled “Keyboard Exercises for a Parlor Reed Organ.” The dryness of the Saudi Arabian deserts have nothing to compete with this selection. Beyond that, tracks three, four and five brought new meaning to the words dull, repetitive and tedious. I must confess, from track six through the final (ninth) track I listened with my finger close to the SKIP button. Fair minded or not, one’s ears can take just so much. So, what exactly is wrong with Emperor Triumphant? Well, put simply, it is not triumphant. I can’t say if it is the actual music or the arid, unimaginative synthesizer performance. The individual selections are largely sterile, two-dimensional and repetitive to the point of roaring boredom. In complete contrast, listen to the CD of Randy Edelman’s brilliant score for the movie “Gettysburg.” The music swoops and swells, has great depth and evokes the emotions and stresses of that bitter battle. Emperor Triumphant does none of this. I was just wishing the bloody “battle” would end. Is it too “modern” for my sensibilities or just not my cup of tea? Possibly, but I don’t think that’s it. There may be a good clue in the album cover illustration. I don’t find computer-rendered graphics of people especially artistic. Interesting perhaps, but not artistic. Wynter’s music is much like that — interesting, but lacking in depth and realism. Could I recommend buying this album for $20. No, but don’t let me stop you. After all, beauty is in the eye (or ear) of the beholder. You may think it’s great — I doubt it, but you may. For information on ordering Emperor Triumphant e-mail magweb@magweb.com or phone (609) 397-4265. Back to Cry Havoc #40 Table of Contents Back to Cry Havoc List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 2002 by David W. Tschanz. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com