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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
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14 reviews
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
A wonderful introduction to an unfamiliar (to me) composer
18 April 2000
Format:Audio CD
I have yet to be disappointed by any entry in the Naxos series of American Classics and the latest, Paul Creston's <Symphonies Nos 1-3> (8.559034), is no exception and yet exceptional. Creston had considerable experience writing scores for radio and TV shows and this background shows in some of the movements on this program. Perhaps the word "symphony" will mislead some purchasers, but I assure them that they are in for a treat no matter which noun is applied to these three works.
"Symphony No. 1" (1940) is in the expected four movements, here called "With Majesty, With Humor, With Serenity, With Gaiety" as if to rid us of all European preconceptions. The accompanying booklet gives a nice description of what lies within.
"Symphony No. 2" (1944) is unique in that it consists of only two movements, one dedicated to Song and the other to Dance. The self-imposed challenge here is to present all the material for the entire two movements in the opening bars of the first one!
"Symphony No. 3" (1950) is really a tone poem depicting "The Nativity, The Crucifixion, The Resurrection" in its three movements; and it is here that one cannot help but recall Berlioz' "L'enfance du Christ" and (not by any means a derogatory association) Rozsa's score to the film "Ben Hur."
Theodore Kuchar conducts the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine with feeling and to great effect. A very unusual and highly recommended offering from Naxos.
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful
It doesn't matter who is playing it - Creston still rocks.
5 April 2000
Format:Audio CD
People should not scoff at the Naxos label because it is either too cheap or the New York Philharmonic is not the orchestra playing. How can you not be tempted by a trilogy of essential American symphonic work with a great young conductor on the rise at the baton, 40-year-old Theodore Kuchar? Paul Creston by far established himself as the greatest self-taught composer in recent memory, with his lush and lyrical melodies coupled with dance rhythms that have been described as "savagely difficult" to play. His first three symphonies aren't as severe in the latter regard as his Symphony No. 5 or Toccata, for that matter, but they remain great challenges and are delightfully accessible to the ear. The National Symphony Orchestra of the Ukraine has a definite grasp of the feel of Creston's work; his fast, rhythmic passages bounce along, his slower passages treated with sensivity and tenderness. His first symphony is one such example and is the only recording available of the work(!). Although I remain partial to Gerry Schwarz and the Seattle Symphony's interpretation of the "Three Mysteries," Kuchar's doesn't lag too far behind. Those who detest the experimental, twelve-tone, minimalist muck of our modern era need to expose themselves to the greatness of Paul Creston. The performances have tremendous quality of sound that Naxos prides itself on, and there's nothing wrong with the overall performances by the orchestra. If you find faults, you try playing Creston's music. And for pocket change? You can't miss!
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
An American romantic with neoclassical sensibilities
24 April 2005
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Based on this very good recording, they know a lot in the Ukraine about being an American. American Theodore Kuchar and the National Symphony Orchestra of the Ukraine turn in very good work on three symphonies by 20th century American Paul Creston, a composer of romantic sensibilities whose influences include Grofe, Hanson and possibly Piston.
His Symphony No. 2, composed in two movements, is the most substantial work herein. In composition, style and sound it is a mate for Walter Piston's Symphony No. 2 and the Symphony No. 3 of William Schuman. The opus is just as original as the two more famous and accomplished symphonies, in part because it covers much of the same philosophically dramatic ground.
Creston's rambunctious Symphony No. 1 is a roller coaster ride of a symphony full of infectious rhythm, big catchy tunes, stops, starts and twists. At the risk of sounding disingenuous, it seems like it must have been a great deal of fun for the composer to write this work, especially that dipsy doodle first movement. The Ukraine brass players all get quite a workout in this wonderful music.
The final piece on the CD, Creston's Symphony No. 3, subtitled "Three Mysteries", is a Gregorian chant-inspired portrait of the birth, crucifixion and ressurection of Christ. The liner notes say Creston wrote the work to project his own beliefs and that Ormandy premiered the work in 1950.
In my view this is the weak sister of the three. As religious drama it pales when compared to the thousands of musical compositions written about Christ and the ressurection including everyone's Stabat Mater and passions. This opaque music doesn't do anything for me, a true believer that recently performed Bach's St. Matthew Passion.
But with one of Naxos's better recordings and the always reliable Kuchar and Ukraine symphony carrying the day, this CD will be a welcome respite to most fans of orchestral music, especially those that want to expand their understanding of American music.
His Symphony No. 2, composed in two movements, is the most substantial work herein. In composition, style and sound it is a mate for Walter Piston's Symphony No. 2 and the Symphony No. 3 of William Schuman. The opus is just as original as the two more famous and accomplished symphonies, in part because it covers much of the same philosophically dramatic ground.
Creston's rambunctious Symphony No. 1 is a roller coaster ride of a symphony full of infectious rhythm, big catchy tunes, stops, starts and twists. At the risk of sounding disingenuous, it seems like it must have been a great deal of fun for the composer to write this work, especially that dipsy doodle first movement. The Ukraine brass players all get quite a workout in this wonderful music.
The final piece on the CD, Creston's Symphony No. 3, subtitled "Three Mysteries", is a Gregorian chant-inspired portrait of the birth, crucifixion and ressurection of Christ. The liner notes say Creston wrote the work to project his own beliefs and that Ormandy premiered the work in 1950.
In my view this is the weak sister of the three. As religious drama it pales when compared to the thousands of musical compositions written about Christ and the ressurection including everyone's Stabat Mater and passions. This opaque music doesn't do anything for me, a true believer that recently performed Bach's St. Matthew Passion.
But with one of Naxos's better recordings and the always reliable Kuchar and Ukraine symphony carrying the day, this CD will be a welcome respite to most fans of orchestral music, especially those that want to expand their understanding of American music.
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