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The exploration by John Wilson of Copland's major
orchestral output with the BBC Philharmonic has
now reached Volume 3, with this invigorating
programme recorded in surround-sound.
It opens with An Outdoor Overture, a cheerful and
breezy piece which Copland composed in 1938,
intending to spearhead an initiative encouraging
‘American Music for American Youth'.
Originally written for organ and orchestra, the First
Symphony is presented here in its revised version
(1926-28) for large orchestra. The six concise
movements of Statements (1932-35) introduce a
new style, their gritty soundscapes being stunning
examples of what Copland later would refer to as
‘hard-bitten' pieces.
The concluding work is the expressive, fantastical
Dance Symphony (1929) which explores different
styles of symphonic movements, its dark aura a
residue of its origin as a ballet on a grotesque
vampire theme, composed 1922-25 and named
Grohg. The symphony has remained a highly
controversial piece ever since.
1. An Outdoor Overture- 8:47
2. Symphony No. 1: I. Prelude. Andante- 4:59
3. Symphony No. 1: II. Scherzo. Molto allegro- 7:23
4. Symphony No. 1: III. Finale. Lento- 10:29
5. Statements: I. Militant- 2:58
6. Statements: II. Cryptic- 3:16
7. Statements: III. Dogmatic- 1:50
8. Statements: IV. Subjective- 4:18
9. Statements: V. Jingo- 2:38
10. Statements: VI. Prophetic- 4:33
11. Dance Symphony: I. Dance of the Adolescent- 6:56
12. Dance Symphony: II. Dance of the Young Girl- 4:46
13. Dance Symphony: III. Dance of Mockery- 5:17
Total time: 68:17 |
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