Click on the link here for Audio Player – Louis Mennini – Arioso – Howard Hanson, cond. Eastman School Symphony – February 9, 1953 – Gordon Skene Sound Collection
More Americana tonight, by way of Louis Mennini, an American composer (1920-2000) and educator who was Professor at the Eastman School of Music for many years and a composer a number of well received pieces during the 1940s and 1950s. He was the brother of composer Peter Mennin (who dropped the I), and probably became lesser known as Peter Mennin’s star began to rise in the Musical community.
Tonight it’s a performance of one of his best known pieces Arioso, performed by the Eastman School Symphony, conducted by Howard Hanson in a broadcast given on February 9, 1953.
As with most of the examples from this period of American Classical music activity, it’s not earth-shattering or revolutionary – it’s tuneful, well-thought out music that doesn’t ask for more than a attentive hearing and pleasant nod.
Nothing wrong with that.
