Howard Hanson: Complete Symphonies and Other Works (Box Set) [BOX SET]

Howard Hanson (Composer), Gerard Schwarz (Conductor), Raldolph Baunton (Performer), Ronald Johnson (Performer), Judith Mendenhall (Performer), Susan Jolles (Performer), New York Chamber Symphony (Orchestra), Seattle Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Carol Rosenberger (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Raldolph Baunton, Ronald Johnson, Judith Mendenhall, Susan Jolles, Carol Rosenberger
• Orchestra: New York Chamber Symphony, Seattle Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Gerard Schwarz
• Composer: Howard Hanson
• Audio CD (July 6, 1994)
• Number of Discs: 4
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Delos Records
• ASIN: B0000006Z5
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #280,009 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Symphony No. 1 in E Minor, Op 22 'Nordic': Andante solenne; Allegro con forza

2. Symphony No. 1 in E Minor, Op 22 'Nordic': Andante teneramente, con semplicita

3. Symphony No. 1 in E Minor, Op 22 'Nordic': Allegro con fuoco

4. Elegy in Memory of Serge Koussevitsky for orchestra, Op 44

5. Symphony No. 2 ('Romantic'), Op. 30: Adagio; Allegro moderato

6. Symphony No. 2 ('Romantic'), Op. 30: Andante con tenerezza

See all 7 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Symphony No. 3, Op 33: Andante lamentando-agitato

2. Symphony No. 3, Op 33: Andante tranquillo

3. Symphony No. 3, Op 33: Tempo scherzando

4. Symphony No. 3, Op 33: Largamente e pesante

5. Fantasy Variations on a Theme of Youth for piano & orchestra, Op 40

6. Symphony No. 6: Andante

See all 11 tracks on this disc

Disc: 3

1. Symphony No. 4, Op 34 'The Requiem': Kyrie. Andante inquieto

2. Symphony No. 4, Op 34 'The Requiem': Requiescat. Largo

3. Symphony No. 4, Op 34 'The Requiem': Dies irae. Presto

4. Symphony No. 4, Op 34 'The Requiem': Lux aeterna. Largo pastorale

5. Serenade for flute, harp & strings, Op. 35

6. Lament for Beowulf for chorus & orchestra, Op. 25

See all 11 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A nice sampler of Hanson at a good price, September 4, 2000

By	SJR (Wichita, Kansas) - See all my reviews

Any fan of Hanson's romantic compositions will enjoy this 4 disc set. Schwartz and the Seattle Symphony more than ably perform these varied works. Disc 1 is probably the best of the four, not only because it contains the better-known Romantic and Nordic Symphonies, but also because of the inclusion of the "Elegy" to Koussevitsky, a sad but deeply romantic work. On disc 2, you have got to listen to the 2nd Movement of the 3rd Symphony, arguably, the most romantic of all of Hanson's works, and brilliantly performed by Schwartz et al. The Merry Mount Suite, Mosaics, and the Piano Concerto are the most enjoyable performances on discs 3 and 4. If you like romantic classical music, then this set would make a nice addition to any collection.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, February 22, 2008

By	Good Stuff "noreasonableofferrefused" - See all my reviews

It is amazing to realize this is the only integral, complete recording of the American composer Howard Hanson's Symphonies. So much the better that the recordings are, without fail, simply outstanding. The earlier symphonies, especially No. 2, are rather well known, as are several of the additional works presented here, especially the Merry Mount Suite. The later symphonies, less so. This all makes the reward of this set so much the better. As well done as the more familiar works are, moving them to the head of the class, as it were, it is the revelation of the later, less well known works that gives pause. I especially suggest an immediate hearing of the Symphony No. 5. While I know this is subjective, I cannot help suggesting this to be amongst the most beautiful compositions ever written. It is so sublime that, like Mozart, it is hard to imagine it written by the hand of man.

It has been said Howard Hanson was a romantic whose style was tied to the 19th century. If that means he had the ability to write classically structured music in a uniquely American style, full of beauty and overflowing with love and hope, then I say "Hooray!" for those 19th Century ties!

Much credit must be given to conductor Gerard Schwarz for the loving attention he has obviously lavished on these recordings. And for the simply world-class performances offered by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and the New York Chamber Symphony.

These wonderful recordings should be universally and permanently available to one and all.

It is shemeful they are not.

Shameful.