Howard Hanson And The Eastman-Rochester Symphony Play Music Of Porter, Rogers And Copland – 1945 – Past Daily Weekend Gramophone
Howard Hanson – stalwart for exposing new American music.
Click on the link here for Audio Player: Eastman-Rochester Symph. 1945
Another dose of Americana tonight, by way of the venerable Eastman-Rochester Symphony, conducted by none other than Howard Hanson. A recreation of a portion of the first concert given spotlighting new American composers which the Eastman-Rochester Symphony took part in on May 19, 1925.
This portion of that recreated concert features works by Quincy Porter, Bernard Rogers and then-unknown Aron Copland. In the broadcast announcements it was noted that Howard Hanson and The Eastman-Rochester Symphony had been responsible (as of April 19, 1945 – the date of this broadcast) for premiering some 900 works by new American composers. I can’t think of another orchestra, except possibly the Louisville Symphony, responsible for that much dedication to new music.
The music on this program is as follows:
1. Quincy Porter – Ukrainian Suite
2. Bernard Rogers – Soliloquy for Flute and String Orchestra
3. Aron Copland – Cortege Macabre
I may be wrong, but I don’t believe I have seen commercial recordings of any of the above pieces – certainly not recently. And the Copland piece, an early composition, is totally unfamiliar.
All told – a fascinating concert of unfamiliar and enjoyable music.
You are right: unkown works by major composers. And once again major performers ! THX !!!!!
Hi – Many thanks for this excellent concert! I believe the Copland is part of Grohg, which was recorded almost 20 years ago.
Yes, it is part of Grohg. I’m glad you liked it – more coming up over the next few weeks.
Thanks again! Gordon