John Harbison: Simple Daylight; Words From Paterson

Sanford Sylvan (Performer), John Harris Harbison (Composer), John [1] Harbison (Composer), Boston Symphony Chamber Players (Performer), Gilbert Kalish (Performer), Dawn Upshaw (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Sanford Sylvan, Boston Symphony Chamber Players, Gilbert Kalish, Dawn Upshaw
• Composer: John Harris Harbison, John [1] Harbison
• Audio CD (May 4, 1993)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Nonesuch
• ASIN: B000005IZ6
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #261,034 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #27 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Divas > Upshaw, Dawn
  • #60 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Featured Performers, A-Z > U to Z

Track Listings

1. Words from Paterson, for baritone & chamber ensemble: Part I

2. Words from Paterson, for baritone & chamber ensemble: Part II

3. Simple Daylight, for soprano & piano: Japan

4. Simple Daylight, for soprano & piano: Simple Daylight

5. Simple Daylight, for soprano & piano: Somewhere a Seed

6. Simple Daylight, for soprano & piano: Your Name

7. Simple Daylight, for soprano & piano: The Wild Irises

8. Simple Daylight, for soprano & piano: Odor

9. Piano Quintet: Movement 1

10. Piano Quintet: Movement 2

11. Piano Quintet: Movement 3

12. Piano Quintet: Movement 4

13. Piano Quintet: Movement 5

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not the place to start, December 2, 2008

By 

G.D. (Norway) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: John Harbison: Simple Daylight; Words From Paterson (Audio CD)

John Harbison has gradually emerged as a leading contemporary composer, and whereas this disc does not, perhaps, present him at his best, it is still at least intermittently interesting.

`Words from Paterson' is a conservative work, and frankly rather bland and uninspired. It is decently performed, although it seems to tax Sylvan somewhat excessively. The title-work, the song-cycle Simple Daylight is more interesting and excellently performed, but in the end perhaps not very memorable either.

The piano quintet is probably the best work here. It is skillfully crafted and traditionally structured - so much so that you'd lead to believe that Harbison is, in fact, trying to make a point with the unpretentiousness (which he might indeed be). The performance is fine, but the sound too close, even jarring at times.

So, while this is a worthwhile release for the initiated - the piano quintet deserves an occasional outing - it's probably not the place to start if you wish to explore Harbison's music.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Works with Excellent Performances, January 5, 2008

By 

Robert Paterson (New York, NY, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: John Harbison: Simple Daylight; Words From Paterson (Audio CD)

This is a wonderful recording and the performances are first-rate. I liked Words from Paterson so much that I decided to program it with my group in NYC. As with all of Harbison's music, his lush musical language is compelling and his harmonic palette is beautiful. All of the works on this recording are engaging. Words from Paterson is a work that will resonate with anyone who loves the poetry of William Carlos Williams or who lives in NYC, NJ or has been to the Cloisters and seen the medieval Unicorn tapestry. All in all, this is a wonderful introduction to some of Harbison's earlier chamber works. John wrote it ca. his 50th birthday, and this would make a great gift for anyone celebrating their 50th as well.

1 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful, March 1, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: John Harbison: Simple Daylight; Words From Paterson (Audio CD)

Harbison's songs are worth a listen. His piano quintet is also a remarkable piece. Performances are accurate and passionate.