Customer Reviews

American Orchestral Works

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm always on the lookout for great 20th-21st century composers, and this collection looked promising. Harbison and Corigliano were known quantities and the Hersch selection is perhaps his most famous (though I hadn't heard it before). All of the selections are fine works, always interesting and frequently beautiful. Kolb's All in Good Time flirts with minimalism at time -- too much for my taste -- but the rest of the time it's a memorable work. The other selections are great, although the Harbison is not quite as engaging as usual. The performances are excellent, and sound fine. The reason for giving it 4 instead of 5 stars is the temporary repetition in the Kolb work, and the limited entertainment-value of the Harbison. Both might seem exceptional in a different compilation; here the high quality of the other entries show up their minor shortcomings.

This is an excellent CD! The recorded sound and orchestral playing are top-notch. Kalmar is a fine conductor, and the Grant Park Orchestra is very impressive. The CD is worth purchasing for the Hersch (especially if you like Shostakovich, or just exciting music!), Kernis (phew!), and Corigliano. The Kolb and Harbison are nice make-weights, but they pale next to the other three. HIGHLY recommended.