O'Connor: Fanfare for the Volunteer / O'Connor, Mercurio, London SO

Track Listings

1. Call of the Mockingbird

2. Trail of Tears

3. Fanfare for the Volunteer

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Mark O'Connor is the heir to a long line of composer-performers who wrote music for themselves to play. Like his predecessors, O'Connor writes to his strengths, which include a lovely, expressive tone, a natural, easy way with the instrument, and an innate feeling for the style. The three works on this record were initially conceived as the movements of a concerto, and though they became independent pieces, they're connected by thematic and melodic elements. In style and atmosphere, they take their inspiration from the folk music, as well as the landscape and history, of America.

"Call of the Mockingbird" is a study in the evocation of nature and its sounds. The solo violin joins woodwinds, horns, and string pizzicato in conjuring the voices of birds, and there is an improvised, unaccompanied cadenza toward the end. The music breathes a simple, peaceful serenity. "Trail of Tears" commemorates the tragic dispossession of the Cherokee Indians; melancholy, a bit dissonant, the music has the heavy tread of a forced march and builds up to a powerful climax. In "Fanfare for a Volunteer," the death march becomes a clarion call for freedom, with drums, trumpets, and other brass; the solo fiddle bursts into a string of tunes and dances, and joins the drums in another improvised cadenza. After a quiet interlude, the piece ends with more martial fifes and drums. Throughout, perhaps the most unusual aspect of the music is the combination of folk-style fiddling with the highly sophisticated, masterful scoring for a large symphony orchestra; indeed, O'Connor's avowed purpose is to showcase the orchestral sections as much as the soloist. His playing is superb, disciplined as well as free, and the orchestra supports him splendidly. --Edith Eisler

Tracks:

Call of the Mockingbird
Trail of Tears
Fanfare for the Volunteer

Amazon.com

Mark O'Connor is the heir to a long line of composer-performers who wrote music for themselves to play. Like his predecessors, O'Connor writes to his strengths, which include a lovely, expressive tone, a natural, easy way with the instrument, and an innate feeling for the style. The three works on this record were initially conceived as the movements of a concerto, and though they became independent pieces, they're connected by thematic and melodic elements. In style and atmosphere, they take their inspiration from the folk music, as well as the landscape and history, of America.

Customer Reviews:

Truly a gem in modern composition and performance.......2007-02-16

I bought this CD because I've thoroughly enjoyed O'Connor's "Fiddle Concerto" for years. With this purchase, I was hoping for something similar, and upon listening, it has far exceeded my expectations. This is now one of my favorite CDs. It is full of life and joy, and I like it more every time I listen to it. It is so rare these days to find high-quality modern orchestral compositions, especially ones that speak to the soul (as this one does).
In the CD notes, O'Connor mentions that he wrote this as a follow-up to the Fiddle Concerto. "Three Pieces" really functions as a complete work with three movements. The first and third tracks are faster, and the middle track is slow and lyrical. The fanfare at the beginning of the third track is a nice touch, and is very Copland-esque (thinking of "Fanfare for the Common Man").
Kudos to Mark!!

Mark O'Connor--the new Aaron Copland.......2004-05-05

Mark O'Connor will become known as the Aaron Copland of his time. What a wonderful group of pieces. Also impressive is "The American Seasons" by O'Connor.

New Classic that defies this century's unpleasant influences.......2001-09-23

I have to admit i came upon this CD because of my penchant for Maestro Mercurio's talents, and not through any familiarity with O'Connor's performances or compositions.
After reading that these three pieces were joined, then separated I wondered how that would be reflected in the works.
Well, they are related, for sure, but not an ounce of unwelcome repetition between the pieces is to be found. Only a lovely continuity of themes and a consistent level of what can only be described as genuine faith, by all involved, in what is being shared.
I almost felt as if the works were being written and performed by O'Connor on the spot, with the orchestra being an extension of the fiddler, himself. This speaks to the talents of O'Connor, but also for Mercurio, who always brings his all to a performance. It is symbiotic.
I read in some other reviews that O'Connor is reflective of other composers of this century. All i can say about that is for the most part, I do not like most contemporary compositions of a classical nature. There is usually a rhythm to them that i find disenchanting, and it almost deterred me from purchasing this piece. But alas, this CD is a thing beauty from the beginning to the end. Laurie in Alaska

Music for the heart and soul.......2000-09-04

Mark O'Connor with his understanding and love of the violin and his love of life has captured the essence of the heart breaking beauty of the Tennessee hills. His music soars and swoops and dips weaving a magical life of its own. If you enjoy the passion of Hillary Hahn wait until you begin to listen to Mark's story because that is what this piece is. It is the story of the Cherokees and their heart-rending loss of their land. It is the story of the seasons with their beauty and their harshness. This CD will be one you will play over and over and over, never tiring and each time finding something new that will for just a short space in time, take your breath away.

Fanfare for Mark O'Connor.......2000-05-29

In Texas, we would say, "Now that boy can fiddle!" Yup, he surely can, but boy, can he compose, too.

This CD is called three pieces for violin and orchestra, but I think of it as one large symphonic work. It's a tribute to the violin and fiddle players out there, as well as a tribute to Americans. From "Shenandoah" to the spirit of Aaron Copland, these pieces reach into the heart of what makes an American.

Driving down the road anywhere in the USA, you'll feel that this music accurately reflects the panorama passing by. Whether or not you like classical music, this is great stuff. It's definitely a winner.

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