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Classical pianist Lara Downes takes us on a journey through the heart and soul of the USA with her album, Lara Downes: American Ballads. On the acclaimed Postcards recording, Downes takes a look at some 20th Century American composers that have been influenced by the aural landscape that surrounded them, namely popular song, Jazz, and Folk music. American Ballads features compositions by Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, Charles Ives and others, but one of the highlights of the CD is the world premiere recording of legendary Jazz composer / saxophonist Benny Golson's Classical composition On Gossamer Wings, which Lara debuted at Lincoln Center.
"A most delightful artist, with a unique blend of musicianship and showmanship." -National Public Radio
"Here is technique so good you're not even aware of it…and yet she
never flaunts it, never gets in the way of the music."
-Lynnda Greene, Fanfare Magazine
As a Classical music concept album, American Ballads revisits a vanished but not-so-distant era in the United States. American music is as diverse and as varied in its origin as the people who live here and the landscapes we inhabit. Its distinct and beautiful flavor comes from the confluence of these many musical references, and from its very American spirit of independence and adventure. On this recording we find music of many forms and inspirations: an Appalachian Folk melody, a languid Blues, a lounge singer’s romance, the big-city sounds of the Jazz age, a tranquil hymn, a tender lullaby - all are beautiful and unique American Ballads.
"…an imaginative mix…rhythmical and colorful…
Very, very pleasing."
-Michael Barone, Public Radio Music Source
"A stylish force at the keyboard." - Miami Sun Sentinel 1/00
This impressive Postcards album, entitled Lara Downes: American Ballads (also available on CD), is not only a collection of music inspired by many distinct American voices, but serves as proof of Lara Downes’ imaginative musical vision, and is a testimony to the talent of one of the world’s great young Classical pianists.
Selections Include:
Excursions, Opus 20 Samuel Barber, 1944 1. I. Un Poco Allegro 2. I. In Slow Blues Tempo 3. III. Allegretto 4. IV. Allegro Molto Four Piano Blues - Aaron Copland, 1949 5. I. Freely Poetic 6. II. Soft and Languid 7. III. Muted and Sensuous 8. IV. With Bounce
9. On Gossamer Wings - Benny Golson, 2000 (World Premiere) American Ballads - Roy Harris, 1947 10. I. Streets of Laredo 11. II. Wayfaring Stranger 12. III. The Bird 13. IV. Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair 14. V. Cod Liver Ile North American Ballads - Frederic Rzewski, 1979 15. III. Down By the Riverside
2nd Piano Sonata: " Concord, Mass. 1840-1860" - Charles Ives, 1909-1915 16. III. The Alcotts Suite from The Plow That Broke the Plains - Virgil Thompson, 1942 17. I. Prelude 18. II. Cowboy Songs 19. III. Blues 20. IV. Finale
21. American Nocturne - Dana Suesse, 1942
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