Copland: Piano Concerto; The Tender Land (Suite); Old American Songs (2008)

No matter how definitive some recordings of certain works may be, it is absolutely necessary for new recordings of those works to be added to the ... Show synopsis No matter how definitive some recordings of certain works may be, it is absolutely necessary for new recordings of those works to be added to the catalog in order for music to stay alive in the hearts and minds of listeners. In the case of this Naxos disc with Robert Hanson leading the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in works by American composer Aaron Copland, the definitive recordings come from the composer himself, who taped all the works included here either for RCA or Columbia. And though in every case Copland's own recordings are superior, this disc still ought to be heard by anyone who loves the music. Copland's recording of the orchestral suite from his opera The Tender Land with the Boston Symphony is both warmer and richer in tone than this one, but Hanson and the Illinois musicians clearly love the music and their affection shows in their big-hearted performance. Similarly, though Copland's recording of the Piano Concerto with the composer as soloist and Leonard Bernstein leading the New York... Hide synopsis