COPLAND: The Tender Land Suite / Piano Concerto / Old American Songs (arr. for chorus)

$8.99 (CD)

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The Tender Land Suite (more info)
Performed by: Elgin Symphony Orchestra
Composed by: Aaron Copland
Conducted by: Robert Hanson


1.   I. Introduction and Love Music - 10:11
2.   II. Party Scene - 4:56
3.   III. Finale: The Promise of Living - 5:32


Piano Concerto (more info)
Performed by: Elgin Symphony Orchestra
Composed by: Aaron Copland
Conducted by: Robert Hanson
Benjamin Pasternack, piano


4.   I. Andante sostenuto - 7:11
5.   II. Molto moderato, Allegro assai - 9:44


Old American Songs I (arr. I. Fine for chorus) (more info)
Performed by: Elgin Symphony Orchestra
Composed by: Aaron Copland
Conducted by: Robert Hanson
Nathaniel Stampley, baritone


6.   I. The Boatmen's Dance - 3:25
7.   II. The Dodger - 2:24
8.   III. Long Time Ago - 3:03
9.   IV. Simple Gifts - 1:30
10.   V. I Bought me a Cat - 2:23


Old American Songs II (arr. for chorus) (more info)
Performed by: Elgin Symphony Orchestra
Composed by: Aaron Copland
Conducted by: Robert Hanson
Nathaniel Stampley, baritone
Jeffrey Hunt, tenor


11.   I. The Little Horses (arr. R. Wilding-White) - 2:53
12.   II. Zion's Walls (arr. G. Koponen) - 2:03
13.   III. The Golden Willow Tree - 3:40
14.   IV. At The River (arr. R. Wilding-White) - 3:04
15.   V. Ching-a-ring Chaw (arr. I. Fine) - 1:44

Reviews

(Dec 20, 2009)
Reviewer:Jim D.
I know the "Old American Songs" were originally set for solo voice, and I have recordings of Copland accompanying Warfield (the original soloist), and conducting the orchestral version. But I first learned these pieces as a member of a chorus, singing them, so that's my favorite arrangement, though the least common. On this disc, the St James Singers are terrific: the first time I played it, I... I know the "Old American Songs" were originally set for solo voice, and I have recordings of Copland accompanying Warfield (the original soloist), and conducting the orchestral version. But I first learned these pieces as a member of a chorus, singing them, so that's my favorite arrangement, though the least common. On this disc, the St James Singers are terrific: the first time I played it, I couldn't believe the speed at which they perform "Ching-a-Ring Chaw." The famous "Simple Gifts" is here, and "By the River"; I really like the ballad "Long Time Ago," too. Just the songs would have been worth the modest cost of this recording, but it also includes an orchestral suite from the opera 'The Tender Land' (with the tune of "Zion's Walls" again) and the rather strange piano concerto (well-played, just not my cuppa). (read more)