Some Selections for August 2023
Here are three ‘notable’ new releases that I have heard and recommend. You’ll hear them featured on our New at Noon with midday host Elaine Diehl and throughout our broadcast day on WGUC.
HILARY HAHN 'Six Sonatas for Solo Violin Eugene' Ysaÿe DG Classics 4864176
The latest from violinist Hilary Hahn shows off the variety of colors this artist can show. The works themselves aren’t very well known outside of conservatories and violinists, despite almost 50 recordings of all six sonatas and numerous recordings of individual sonatas. Hahn certainly makes the case for them! Hahn herself shares: ‘Ysaÿe’s sonatas are iconic, generation-defining and a beautiful celebration of the instrument.’ I also love that while Ysaÿe was music director of the Cincinnati Symphony, he was probably composing a few of these sonatas! Click here to listen.
SCOTT DUNN 'I Watch You Sleep' Stunt Records 23012
What a joyous celebration of Richard Rodney Bennett from Scott Dunn! Joined by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Claire Martin and a jazz trio, these ten songs are a fitting tribute to Scott’s mentor and friend. While capturing these songs and arrangements was always a goal, the sudden time available during the pandemic along this to move forward. Talk about a silver lining! While I am a sucker for the standards, Bennett’s songs benefit from the album’s fidelity and the tight performances.
Exclusive! Hear Scott Dunn on this new release:
CCM Wind Symphony' Aspirations' Klavier Records 11231
Kevin Michael Holzman leads a new release with three tremendous works with his ensemble at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. While William Grant Still’s Afro American Symphony won’t be new to many listeners, this lovely arrangement for Wind Orchestra probably will be for most. It loses nothing in the translation and sparkles on so many levels.
Adolphus Hailstork is featured with a work new to me: American Guernica. It captures the sorrow of a tragedy 20 years before it was composed: “Composed in memory of four little girls killed by a bomb explosion at the 16th Street Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama, during Sunday school class in September 1963”.
The final work on Aspirations is from a former CSO bassist, Frank Proto. The Concerto for Piano and Wind Symphony features Michael Chertock (one of our faves!) and runs from mysterious to jazzy to a virtuoso romp!
Artwork [from the opening of this post] credit: Klavier Records
Look for ‘Nasuk’s Notably New’ each month here on WGUC.org!
