Daugherty Soars Again with Blue Electra
By Ralph Graves
Would it be too much to name Michael Daugherty America’s composer? So much of his work is bound up in American culture and history. From the “Metropolis Symphony” (1991) through “Philadelphia Stories” (2001) to “Mount Rushmore” (2010), he’s captured the essence of America
Daugherty has a unique symphonic style. It can be expansive without sounding like Copland, lyrical without sounding like Barber, or reference other musical genres without sounding stilted or pretentious.
This release adds three more masterpieces of Americana to Daugherty’s catalog.
“Blue Electra” (2022) celebrates the life and mysterious fate of Amelia Earhart. Anne Akiko Meyers is the violin soloist. Her playing crackles with energy, especially in the second movement “Paris (1932).” Her phrasing on the final movement, “Last Flight (1937)” is exquisite. It brings the work to an emotional, heartbreaking conclusion.
“Last Dance at the Surf” (2021) commemorates Buddy Holly’s final performance. He would die in a plane crash hours later. Daugherty captures the exuberance of the gig. And all without quoting music by Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, or the Big Bopper.
Rather, we’re treated to an abstract version of the event, moving from uptempo numbers to slow songs and back again. And that abstraction makes the piece work. There’s no danger of “Last Dance” ever sounding dated or contrived.
“To the New World” celebrates the Apollo 11 moon landing. Soprano Elissa Johnston provides a wordless obbligato. Does her voice, coupled with a soaring French horn, echo “Star Trek?” Perhaps. If so, it’s a very oblique reference.
Daugherty uses the voice to create an otherworldly sound to the music. This is another stirring score that inspires and uplifts.
David Alan Miller directs the Albany Symphony. They’re recorded in the legendary Troy Bank Building. When the ensemble needs to go big, it does. And when subtlety is required, the musicians deliver. These are world-class performances of first-class music.
Michael Daugherty: Blue Electra
Last Dance at the Surf; To the New World
Anne Akiko Meyers, violin; Elissa Johnston, soprano obbligato
Albany Symphony; David Alan Miller, conductor
Naxos 8.559955
