Copland

The Copland Collection - Early Orchestral Works, 1922-1935
2xCD | EAC+LOG+CUE | APE: 655 MB | Artwork | 5% Recovery Info
Label/Cat#: Sony Classical # SM2K 47332 | Country/Year: US 1991, 1972
Genre: Classical | Style: Early 20th Century

This is an excellent collection of Aaron Copland’s early orchestral works, written when the composer was in his twenties and mid-thirties. These pieces have not achieved the notoriety of Mr. Copland’s later “populist” compositions and contain more modernist devices. Some of these feature jazz elements (such as the Piano Concerto, Music for the Theater and the Dance Symphony, which was drawn from materials composed for the “Grogh” ballet). Despite the complexity of these selections, the music is both exhilarating and interesting, albeit challenging. Repeat listenings are required if one wishes to fully appreciate these compositions…

That Peacock should be capable of music with this much dignity should be no surprise; neither should it be especially surprising from Copland who, while a late starter on his chosen instrument, continues to develop a personal approach that combines the best of American and European traditions. What It Says is another fine recording from France’s Sketch Records, a label that is joining a select group of independents with an uncompromising sense of artistry, and a distinctive personality; Copland and Peacock have managed to capture the essence of the material in a programme that is rich in ambience and deep in emotion. ~John Kelman, allaboutjazz.com

Harmony is Mr. Copland's great strength, and he colors in most of these songs with muted, shifting hues. Recorded and produced with an obsessive standard of intimacy it revels in poetic self-containment. (Nate Chinen, New York Times)

…All of the music is taken at a thoughtful pace and is quite lyrical and melodic. Copland often sounds as if he is thinking aloud yet each of his "musical sentences" flows logically into the next one, forming a suite of sorts. The results could be superior background music but, if played at a louder volume, one can really get into Copland's thoughts and ideas. This is thought-provoking music that deserves that close a listen. ~Scott Yanow, allmusic.com

An enjoyable collection for White fans, although one might prefer one's spirituals on a bigger scale. That said, Willard White makes these well-known songs seem much more intimate and reflective, private rather than public. Swing low, pressed into service at last year's rugby world cup, is sung rather faster than usual. That's no bad thing, as the song can be made to sound rather lachrymose. For White there is a sense of eager anticipation, that heaven really is at hand. The Copland songs are enjoyable too and are sung with apparent enjoyment. They were all new to me and I can see myself returning to them for their witty lyrics and sense of fun. The Chandos recording is good and the voice is well caught. The accompaniment is discreet and intelligent, making this a delightful disc all round.

New Yorker Marc Copland, one of the most under-rated modern pianists, is no stranger to these shores. Bassist Gary Peacock, on the other hand, is a jazz superstar, better known for his role in the Keith Jarrett trio. But these musicians are perfectly matched, and Peacock particularly revels in the freedom of the duo setting, where the bass assumes a different and more central role in the melodic content of the music. With Copland a consummate accompanist, there is plenty of opportunity to admire the gorgeousness of the great bassist's sound and the connection between these two fine musicians.