Samuel A. Livingston

American Scenes And Other Works For Concert Band

Navona, 2022

8/10

Listen to American Scenes And Other Works For Concert Band

The superb composer Samuel A. Livingston pays tribute to America with these pieces, where the conductor Stanislav Vavrínek and the Winds of Filharmonie Brno are in attendance for a very meticulous, orchestral listen the embraces all the hallmarks of the U.S.

“Celebrating The Fourth” starts the listen with bright interaction and lively percussion, as the melodic winds flow with much agility that certainly seems like it could soundtrack a 4th of July celebration, and “Three American Scenes” follows with busy moments of dynamic interaction as well calmer moments of serenity in the very fluid delivery.

The back half includes the dreamy flute of Martina Venc Matusinská on “Silvertube Variations”, where a very poetic setting unfolds with grace and adventurousness, and “Balkan Dance” recruits Emil Drápela’s clarinet that dances around the animated melodies in the folk based exit.

A very carefully crafted affair, Livingston and company illuminate their appreciation of the country and the world beyond with much depth and sincerity.

Travels well with: Mary Howe- Between Us; Lee Bradshaw- The Ties That Bind