This is a terrific collection. Morton Gould's Cowboy Rhapsody uses some of the same material that Aaron Copland worked into his ballet Rodeo, and it's every bit as entertaining. Why the piece isn't a pops concert standard is anyone's guess. Roy Harris' Eleventh Symphony adopts the single-movement form of his more famous Third Symphony. The opening, with prominent solo piano, is really arresting, and an eventful 20 minutes ensues. Like much late Harris, the piece makes an impression that can only be described as "clunky", sort of like a modern American Bruckner if you can imagine such a thing, and like Bruckner you'll either like it or hate it. This sympathetic and well-played performance makes an excellent case for the piece.

Cecil Effinger (1914-90) was based in Colorado, and his Little Symphony No. 2 of 1945 does everything that a work by an appealing minor talent should: it offers charming tunes, skillfully arranged, and leaves you wanting more. On the other hand, Douglas Moore's Second Symphony (1945) is a work of considerable substance, and a gem of American neo-classicism. Attractively scored and full of distinctive ideas (the scherzo is marvelous), it's played with welcome enthusiasm and freshness by Ian Hobson and the Sinfonia Varsovia. Only a bit of rhythmic unsteadiness from the strings in the finale betrays the players' unfamiliarity with the music. Warm sonics, typically full and focused, complement this wholly winning release.

--David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com