Classics Of American Romanticism
Bridge, 2022
8/10
Listen to Classics Of American Romanticism
A pairing of world class talent, George Frederick Bristow’s “Symphony No. 4 the ‘Arcadian’” is recorded here in its entirety for the first time, and it’s complemented by William Henry Fry’s “Niagara Symphony”.
Bristow’s 4 chapters open the listen, where the stirring strings of the intimate “Emigrants’ Journey Across The Plains” welcomes booming orchestra sounds, and “Halt On The Prairie” follows with a very soothing approach that showcases calm melodies amid much reflection and sophistication.
“Arrival At The New Home, Rustic Festivities, And Dancing” exits Bristow’s portion with bright drumming, firm strings and a very festive climate, and Fry’s “Niagara Symphony” closes the listen, and builds into a cathartic, triumphant display of thick drums, animated strings and tense bouts as well as bare ebbs of grace.
Fry and Bristow were among the first generation of significant, native-born composers of instrumental music in the United States, and these works sure have aged well and sound great under the conducting of Leon Botstein and the musicianship of The Orchestra Now.
Travels well with: Rune Most- Flute Concertos; David Starobin- W.T. Matiegka's Six Sonatas, Op. 31