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Gershwin, Tower, Piston & Harbison / Cole, Miller, NOIP


Release Date: 11/13/2020 
Label:  Naxos   Catalog #: 8559875  
Composer:  George Gershwin,  John Harbison,  Joan Tower,  Walter Piston
Performer:  Kevin Cole
Conductor:  David Alan Miller
Orchestra/Ensemble:  National Orchestral Institute Philharmonic
Number of Discs: 1 
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Notes and Editorial Reviews

This program represents American orchestral music in all of its verve and expressive variety. Following the sensational success of Rhapsody in Blue, Gershwin’s Concerto in F was his first foray away from jazz bands into the concert hall, recorded here for the first time in a new critical edition by Timothy Freeze based on the composer’s own notation and performances. John Harbison’s Remembering Gatsby is a foxtrot that evokes the sonorities of1920s dance bands, while Joan Tower’s Sequoia reflects her fascination with these silent giants of the tree world. Walter Piston’s contribution to the development of 20th-century American music cannot be underestimated, and his Fifth Symphony successfully blends twelve-tone modernity with reflective Read more profundity and a finale that evokes a spirit of joy and optimism.

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REVIEW:

I’ve no doubt this performance is an important addition to the Gershwin discography. Indeed, in many ways, it sets new standards for this oft-played piece. The Piston Fifth upholds the high standards set in this varied programme. For those who don’t know the symphony, it’s in three concise movements with a glorious harp-drenched opener. Flashes of Copland, perhaps, but otherwise Piston is very much his own man. As ever, Miller’s direction is firm yet affectionate, his players utterly focused throughout.

– MusicWeb International Read less

Works on This Recording

1.
Concerto for Piano in F major by George Gershwin
Performer:  Kevin Cole (Piano)
Conductor:  David Alan Miller
Orchestra/Ensemble:  National Orchestral Institute Philharmonic
Period: 20th Century 
Written: 1925; USA 
2.
Remembering Gatsby by John Harbison
Conductor:  David Alan Miller
Orchestra/Ensemble:  National Orchestral Institute Philharmonic
Period: 20th Century 
Written: 1985; USA 
3.
Sequoia by Joan Tower
Conductor:  David Alan Miller
Orchestra/Ensemble:  National Orchestral Institute Philharmonic
Period: 20th Century 
Written: 1981; USA 
4.
Symphony no 5 by Walter Piston
Conductor:  David Alan Miller
Orchestra/Ensemble:  National Orchestral Institute Philharmonic
Period: 20th Century 
Written: 1954; USA 

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review:  ( 1 Customer Review )
 Extraodinary! January 23, 2021 By Leslie Ackerman (Washington, DC) See All My Reviews "Naxos should not hide the fact that this is a youth orchestra. As many other similar orchestras around the world, they play incredible, possibly better than adults. Watch the attached video and you will see how ready they are. There is that passion. And it becomes sound. Kudos! Then the program: superbly planned and in spectacular sound. Maestro Miller has already proven his credential advocating American music. And this is a great American program of many colors. Everyone should be congratulated." Report Abuse
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