Riegger, Hovhaness and Cowell with Howard Hanson and the Eastman Rochester Orchestra

Another wonderful recording, Mercury MG 40005, generously loaned to me by Ray in Montana. This record had appeared on another blog and Ray felt the transfer did not do the music justice. He sent along his copy of the lp to me and asked that I have a go at it. More then happy to oblige since this is a terrific program from start to finish. Maestro Hanson put together a concert for this record, from a zippy opening piece to a concertante culminating in a sadly neglected symphony of stature.

The Riegger pieces, New Dance, is a gem of a gem. This is an awesome piece to open up any concert program. It's extremely accessible, driving yet not overtly forceful or in your face. This is probably one of Riegger's more "mainstream" works since he experimented with rhythm and harmonies on much of his music and it can make for rather dense listening.

The Hovhaness work is from early in that composer's creative life. It's tuneful, ingenious and not minimalist like much of this composer's later works. Delightful contrasts are heard between the movements which keep the listener fully engaged.

The Cowell Symphony No 4 is in the same tradition as the best of Copland, Harris and Schuman's symphonic works. I think this symphony can stand confidently alongside the best of the mid 20th century symphonies, surely a work that could be included on the short list for the "great American symphony." This work is chock full of great ideas that are skillfully developed and marvelously orchestrated.

Howard Hanson and his band of students, professors and professionals give each work its full due. Clearly, Hanson loved this music and was able to convey his feelings to the orchestra, receiving musical results that are an A+. Great record and thank you Ray!


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A little Brass and with some Woodwind tossed in for good luck!

Some great brass and woodwind music today. First, by request(s), The Modern Age of Brass with Roger Voisin leading a bunch of his BSO colleagues followed by Frank Glazer and the NY Woodwind Quintet in music by Riegger and Poulenc. Both records date from the mid 50's, the Voisin in mono and the woodwind in stereo, though I have seen the latter's recording date as 1953! The stereo here appears natural.

Brass players are so indebted to Roger V for his pioneering recordings and editions of various works for trumpet and brass. Though admittedly, I have never been a great fan of the bright French school of trumpet playing that he was one of the last proponents of, I recognize him as a tireless promoter of the trumpet and music for brass ensembles. And, as I said previously, Roger was completely and utterly dedicated to music in Boston, especially the next generation of brass players. This important record, from MIT, preserves strong, pioneering excursions into great works. In particular is the masterpiece of Ingolf Dahl, his Music for Brass Instruments, a brilliant work of colors and invention. There is some fine playing by Voisin, Armando Ghitalla and Kauko Kahila here. Great stuff.

The woodwind album features two works, Wallingford Riegger's Concerto for Piano and Woodwind Quintet and Poulenc's "Piano" sextet. We all know Poulenc whose star shines pretty bright these days but Riegger is shamelessly neglected, in fact nearly forgotten. Though Riegger primarily composed within the twelve tone system, he was not orthodox enough to make his output difficult to listen to, The concerto, Op 53 and written in 1953(!) is a marvelous piece of imagination and beauty. I think it to be a great display of Riegger's understanding of the instruments and the colors and sounds that they make. Now, if we can only get a recording of his Music for Brass Choir! The Poulenc is delicious in that French 20th century kind of a way and players like Samual Baron and David Glazer eat it up for all its worth. Frank Glazer's piano conributions are insightful and a pleasant reminder of this fine, and underrated, artist.

Both of these lp's add up to a well filled cd. It all works well together, at least I think so.

Personal note: I will be on vacation through the middle of July. More posts will come after I return.
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