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 Philharmonic is bolder and more rhythmically driven than this one, pianist
Benjamin Pasternack is a powerful soloist who brings enough energy and virtuosity to the work to make it sound bright, shiny, and new, particularly in the closing Allegro assai.
The final pair of works here are the two books of Old American Songs in the version for chorus, soloists, and orchestra; however, the earlier recordings with heroic baritone
William Warfield and
Copland leading the
Columbia Symphony far outrank these with blustery baritone Nathaniel Stampley. Despite his manifest enthusiasm, Stampley adds nothing to these familiar pieces and the
St. Charles Singers, though obviously a fine chorus, lack the weight and strength to make these straightforward songs succeed.
Still, all these pieces need these performances if they are to continue to be part of the living repertoire, and as additions to the
Copland catalog,
Hanson,
Pasternack, and the Elgin Symphony's performances will be welcome by fans of the American composer. Naxos' sound is clean and cool.