Customer Reviews

Richard Danielpour: Celestial Night

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
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I first heard "Celestial Night" performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra under the direction of guest conductor Zdenek Macal with the composer in attendance. Macal had originally commissioned the work as a companion piece for "Symphony Fantasique" - which was also on the ASO's program that evening. The two pieces fit together perfectly. Before the performance of "Celestial Night" I had heard nothing of the composer or the work and was expecting a non-offensive, non-challenging fluff piece. Instead we were treated to a musical journey, by turns exciting and contemplative with dynamic passages that rocked the hall. Zdenek Macal leads the Philharmonia Orchestra in a powerful rendition of "Celestial Night" on this recording. The two other works, "Toward the Splendid City" and "Urban Dances" are in a similar vein - and all are inspired by or relate to New York City (I think).

Recommended to fans of John Corigliano, Walter Piston, David Diamond, and other New England symphonists.

Danielpour is one of the best composers and shows it here. His french horn heavy music is even appreciated by this Trombone player. He has memorable moments and great movements. A must for any classical music fan.

Danielpour, to me, is in a way a modern, New York version of Dimitri Shostakovich. His music reflects the excitement, hussle, happiness, and angst of today. My favorites are the earlier composers, but a few in the 20th century and now are the greats today. Danielpour is one of them.

Frederick R. Andresen, Author of "Walking on Ice, An American Businessman in Russia."