Customer Reviews

William Sharp

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

 

 

What a line up of great American Composers. John Musto is personally my favorite New American Composer. "Recuerdo" is an excellent example of his amazing music. His music has so many different influences (Blues, Jazz, Ragtime, and Classical) all blended together to make one rich sound, William Sharp sings them with such sensitivity and grace. Paul Bowles' "Blue Mountian Ballads" are a perfect example of his great choice of text (Tennesse Williams)and his perfect setting of deep southern Music that the text requires. I just get so excited when I hear an album like this, celebrating the American Art Song and it's great and promising future with Young Composers like John Musto and Eric Klein. William Sharp and Stephen Blier are a dynamic duo and pick great repertoire that shows this off exsquisitely.

Virgil Thompson's compositions are a refreshing slice of pure amaricana. His works are uplifting, captureing the american soul in much the same way Aron Copland did. Paul Bowles (author of ' The Sheltering Sky')is also featured. He actually studied under Virgil Thompson and their light, airy music compliments each other well, each painting a familiar pastoral lanscape. One can almost feel a cool breeze on a vibrant spring day. The melodies glide like butterflys, conjuring up the smells of flowers or the light-blue of a summer sky. Though not a work of genious, Thompson and Bowles nevertheless manage to create some magical, unforgettable sounds.

I first heard Mr. Sharp in a recital of German lieder more than 15 years ago and was impressed with the rich timbre of his voice and his excellent musicianship. He is a fabulous singer. Too bad he doesn't have more solo recordings.

This CD is an excellent example of Sharp's intelligence, his expressiveness and his gorgeous voice. If you love American art song then I highly recommend this recording.