AMERICAN CHORAL MUSIC

 

Vincent PERSICHETTI (1915-87): Flower Songs

Charles IVES (1874-1954): Psalm 90

John CORIGLIANO (b. 1938): Fern Hill

Lukas FOSS (b. 1922): Behold, I Build an House

Aaron COPLAND (1900-90): In the Beginning

 

Susanne Mentzer (mezzo-soprano)

The University of Texas Chamber Singers and Chamber Orchestra / James Morrow

 

This anthology brings together representative works from the mainstream of contemporary American choral music, and is the most recent addition to the Naxos American Classics series.

 

Charles Ives’s Psalm 90 evokes a mood reminiscent of congregational Sunday singing in New England. Copland’s In the Beginning recalls his Fanfare for the Common Man, while Lukas Foss’s Behold, I Build An House shows the stylistic influence of Copland. Vincent Persichetti’s Flower Songs reveal his deep commitment to his favourite poet E.E. Cummings, and favours the women’s voices. In FernHill, set for alto, chorus and orchestra, composer John Corigliano sings of the joys of youth.

 

This anthology is performed by a variety of artists under the baton of James Morrow.

 

Naxos 8559299