Customer Reviews

The Road Less Traveled: Byways of American Music

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

 

 

When listening to the first track on the recording, I was struck by the resemblance to an American composer not even represented on the album, Aaron Copland. It is always dangerous to say this - I do not mean the the composer has in any way copied Copland, but that the celebratory spirit evident reminds me of the spirit present in Copland's work. My only complaint about this wonderful performance is that it leaves one wanting more - I could wish for a large work/suite. I also must single out Shewan's "For Dancing Hearts and Tunes" as another such example of Americana.

The performance by the Roberts Wesleyan Chorale is exemplary, although the voices seem somewhat muted, almost background to the instruments (this being the reason that I rated the recording 4 stars instead of 5).

The performances on the remainder of the compositions are very good to excellent, particularly on "Choose Something Like Star" from Randall Thompson's "Frostiana" and Ron Nelson's "Te Deum Laudamus".

This recording would certainly be a must-have for any collection of chorale music, let alone collections of American music.

More than three decades ago, I was privileged to sing Frostiana in a chamber ensemble in college. I've often thought fondly of those seven songs that almost magically put several Robert Frost poems to music. They were exciting, mournful, haunting, piercing, majestic songs that beautifully matched his words. This music can minister to the soul, bringing you to moments of rapture one second and to tears another with its sheer beauty. I was delighted to find them here in this album.

I honestly bought the album just for the Frostiana numbers, but I have been equally delighted with the other songs contained. The quality is excellent and I have thrilled to listen to each of them. I pray that there is never a day that music doesn't absolutely transform me.