|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I have the same problem with this as when, a week or two ago, I posted about another album which had been well-reviewed at BBC Music Magazine: Much as I'd like to link everybody to the review, it's not possible. I can tell you that the Nash ensemble is a first-rate British outfit, and I've never regretted adding one of their albums to my library. Reviewer Peter Dickinson finds fault with the non-idiomatic playing of the Gershwin solo piano pieces, but otherwise praises the music and the performances. Personally, I share your fondness of the Herrmann Souvenirs (and his other chamber piece, too). FWIW, the Copland Waltz is not in the famous Suite from this ballet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Frankly, I don't see the 4th of July association (nor one to the flag parade on the the cover), especially with Herrmann's nostalgic, not-very-American-sounding Souvenirs de Voyage. Given the quality of The Nash Ensemble one may safely assume that this will be the best available recording of the Herrmann, so I'll probably buy it. Thanks for the heads-up!
|
|
|
|
|
I was simply taking my (rather obvious, I thought) cue from the Hyperion people who packaged this as a collection of American music and put all those stars-and-stripes on the cover. And why quibble about Hyperion's packaging, when American composers come in all shapes and sizes -- and nationalities? E pluribus unum! I'm looking forward to listening to my album when it arrives. Hope you enjoy yours!
|
|
|
|
|
Yeah, Preston, what the hell were you thinking associating composers like Copland & Gershwin, plus a whole bunch of American Flags, with the 4th of July? What a reach! Wouldn't be fun if fireworks were accompanied by this kind of music!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|