An interesting disc that I happened to save from the trash. Concert Hall 1151 featuring music of Vaughan Williams and Hunter Johnson. Longtime Director of Choruses at Cornell University, Robert Hull, leads the "Concert Hall Society" Chamber Orchestra, the a Capella Chorus of Cornell, and distinguished violist Francis Tursi in Flos Campi and Letter to the World.
North Carolina born Hunter Johnson is a composer new to me. A quick scan of his biography shows that his career was centered around the university where he served as a professor in composition. Interestingly, he was the first ever composer named as composer laureate of his home state. Though a composition teacher, Johnson does not appear to have been especially prolific and most of his works were for smaller ensembles. However, "Letter to the World" is for full orchestra and it was a commissioned ballet for the illustrious Martha Graham and company. The ballet itself was designed to reflect upon the life and works of Emily Dickinson. The music is accessible and closely resembles the language of Piston and Sowerby. An interesting listen but do not expect an "Appalachian Spring" type score.
The Vaughan Williams is, of course, a known entity by all. The performance here is solid with exceptional contributions by violist Tursi and the wordless a capella chorus from Cornell. The presumably New York pickup orchestra plays sensitively and Hull provides good leadership, among stiff, mainly British, competition. I love Vaughan Williams' music and any new recording peaks my interest as this one did.
Admittedly, this is an odd program, a coupling of two disparate pieces. Yet, it is a pleasant reminder of a nearly forgotten composer, the high quality of musicianship at our colleges and universities and, that vibrant musical scene of New York City. Enjoy the mono FLACs.
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