What impressed me most listening to the Requiem was how well it all hung together. Harbison started sketching parts of it back in 1985. A version of the “Sanctus” was written in 1991 for a commission. In 1995, what would become the “Introit” was written for Harbison’s contribution to the multi-composer work, Requiem of Reconciliation. […]
Nashville Symphony
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Joan Tower – Violin Concerto
This new release serves up three outstanding orchestral works by American composer Joan Tower. Stroke is a 2010 musical portrait of a stroke, and the disruptive effect it has on the victim. Tower’s music upends itself early on, and over the course of the piece moves through several violent emotions before settling on serene acceptance […]
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Stephen Paulus – World Premier Concertos
Two concertos by the late Stephen Paulus receive their world premier recordings with this Naxos release. And both contain many rewards for the listener. The Concerto for String quartet and Orchestra (Three Places of Enlightenment) moves from an intense, tightly-wound first movement, through a relaxed, ethereal middle movement to a rousing, emotionally satisfying conclusion. The […]
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Roberto Sierra Sinfonia No. 4 — Classical Latino
Puerto Rican composer Roberto Sierra writes in an original post-romantic style that reminds me of Villa-Lobos and Chavez — but only a little. “Fandangos” which opens the album may be inspired by the music of Spain, but it’s no pastiche. Sierra incorporates characteristic melodic turns into his music, giving it spice. The feel of the […]
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Danielpour – Darkness in the Ancient Valley
Darkness in the Ancient Valley is Richard Danielpour’s attempt to return to his Persian heritage. The basis for this five-movement symphony is a 16th century Iranian poem. To my ears, the opening movement sounds like film music trying to evoke a Middle Eastern setting. But as the work progresses, pastiche gives way to passion, and […]
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Joseph Schwantner, Chaser of Light
Two of these things belong together (but the third one’s fine, too). That’s a capsule summary of my reaction to this new recording of Joseph Schwanter’s music from Naxos, “Chasing Light.” This Pulitzer Prize-winning composer has been fascinated by light, and two of the works on this CD were directly inspired by it. Morning’s Embrace, […]