COMPOSERS: Schuman
LABELS: Sony Bernstein Century
WORKS: Symphony No 3; Symphony No. 8 ; Symphony for Strings
PERFORMER: New York Philharmonic/Leonard Bernstein
CATALOGUE NO: SMK 63163 1960-66
The uncompromising harmonies and jagged rhythms of William Schuman’s music invoke the American urban landscape of skyscrapers much in the same way as some of Copland’s early orchestral pieces. But Schuman’s voice remains quite distinctive, and he demonstrates the capacity to speak directly both to the head and to the heart. As ever, Bernstein remains peerless in this repertoire, and one can only hope that these powerful symphonies will achieve a much wider currency than before.
Schuman
The uncompromising harmonies and jagged rhythms of William Schuman’s music invoke the American urban landscape of skyscrapers much in the same way as some of Copland’s early orchestral pieces. But Schuman’s voice remains quite distinctive, and he demonstrates the capacity to speak directly both to the head and to the heart. As ever, Bernstein remains peerless in this repertoire, and one can only hope that these powerful symphonies will achieve a much wider currency than before.
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:28 pm