Copland: The Tender Land Suite, Piano Concerto, Old American Songs

I was at this concert when it was recorded. What a show! Elgin Symphony was well prepared for this concert and their hard work and effort has paid off with this recording. The ESO is truly an underrated orchestra, especially with Chicago Symphony Orchestra residing a mere 30 miles to the east. I hope there are more recordings on the horizon for Illinois' best kept secret. - Adam Gauslow (Round Lake, IL) Here are some other reviews of this recroding that I have stumbled across: I admit I was prejudicial when I saw the artist line up: Elgin Symphony Orchestra (Elg...what!?) from the Elgin Community(!) College somewhere in Illinois. And all those unkwnown names listed? Well; I admit to love when I have to eat my prejudices. This is a blockbuster! Both performance and sound (who needs Telarc et al with sound like this?) are terrific. I encourage you to hold your skin tight when you hear the Finale of 'The Tender Land Suite' (The Promise of Living): true American nobility. These people play it as if it was a live concert, with virtuosity and gusto. Everything about this disc is outstanding. Another NAXOS success worth many more dollars than the asking price. The 'Special Thanks' note in the booklet states that [the underwriters] "feel strongly that this recording will broaden the orchestras' reach, enhance its reputation and capture the music and artistry for many generations to come." Well: BINGO! A keeper. - L. Ackerman "CD Explorer" (Hollywood, FL) This is a well recorded, generous disc that includes three fine works by Copland. The Piano Concerto is played with great urgency by Ben Pasternack. Copland's Tender Land Suite is also a winner. The best items on this CD are the beautiful Old American Songs. Here they are recorded with soloists and a chorus. After Copland recorded this music with William Warfield there was not much reason for anybody else to try them on CD. But given the choral settings these little gems are revealed in a new light. Great playing from the Elgin Symphony and their conductor Robert Hanson. I am so glad Naxos records lesser known orchestras like these. The Elgin sounds great. I hope more CD's from them will be forthcoming. - Martin R. Lash (Sister Bay, Wisc)