Copland: Fanfare; Symphony No3

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This release--part of a wave that will soon grow tidal in honor of the 100th anniversary of Aaron Copland in 2000--doesn't exactly rewrite the map on America's beloved composer. It collects three of his most familiar works created during (and, in varying degrees, reacting to) his country's experience of World War II: the version of "Appalachian Spring" for orchestral suite, the "Fanfare for the Common Man," and the Third Symphony (which incorporates the fanfare in its final movement and, as Copland himself wrote, reflects the "euphoric spirit of the country" following the war's conclusion). But the charismatic Eiji Oue proves to have a convincing and sensitive connection to these works.

A protégé of Leonard Bernstein, Oue was bequeathed the baton used by Bernstein in his final concert--the musical equivalent of a laying on of hands--and he opts to bring out a similar kind of multilayered American Romanticism, mixing transcendentalist vision with sinewy, driving vitality. The range of color and deep focus Oue elicits from the Minnesota Orchestra give yet another example of how the old "tier" hierarchy of American orchestras is eroding; there are excellent, tender wind solos, nicely balanced bodies of strings, and pulse-raising brass, especially in the Third. Oue finds a way to make the transitions between tempos and sections breathe effectively (above all when the music shifts to a faster gear), and his fine ear does justice to the vertical density of Copland's sound--as does the justly acclaimed Reference Recording range of clarity. While Oue doesn't really break any new interpretive ground (his Third feels too close in overall concept to Bernstein's own canonical recording--down to following the cut of several measures of triumphant D major on the score's final page), the glory of that ear-delighting dynamic range and subtlety is a definite advantage for audiophiles. --Thomas May

Tracks:

Fanfare For The Common Man
Appalachian Spring Suite
Third Symphony: molto moderato
Third Symphony: allegro molto
Third Symphony: andantino quasi allegretto
Third Symphony: molto deliberato

Amazon.com

This release--part of a wave that will soon grow tidal in honor of the 100th anniversary of Aaron Copland in 2000--doesn't exactly rewrite the map on America's beloved composer. It collects three of his most familiar works created during (and, in varying degrees, reacting to) his country's experience of World War II: the version of "Appalachian Spring" for orchestral suite, the "Fanfare for the Common Man," and the Third Symphony (which incorporates the fanfare in its final movement and, as Copland himself wrote, reflects the "euphoric spirit of the country" following the war's conclusion). But the charismatic Eiji Oue proves to have a convincing and sensitive connection to these works.

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Musicianship and Recorded Craftsmanship.......2007-01-21

What I can add to the other outstanding reviews here is this: I listened to this CD on a Denon DCM-380 HDCD player which yielded a full 20 bit sound and a Sansui AU-D9 super low distortion Integrated Amplifier. The sound was magnificent. In particular I noticed a shimmer and detail to the strings that one never hears when listening to a regular 16-bit CD. The sound is so natural that it is as close to being in the concert hall as I have ever experienced. The performance by Que and the Minnesota is phenomenally exciting yet nuanced with details of dynamics not heard elsewhere. One walks away from this performance inspired and with goose bumps all over.

Hold on to your hat!!.......2002-01-07

This recording is phenomenal! It starts with Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man." It can only be described as earth-shaking. The bass drum hits will knock you off your chair. It ends with Copland's "Third Symphony," which is a triumph. The Minnesota Orchestra played wonderfully and the recording by Reference Recordings/Keith O. Johnson is beyond compare.

If you love Copland, this CD is for you!

Best recording of the 3rd?.......2001-12-05

I would probably have to say so. My old fave used to be Bernstein's '86 version, but the ensemble overall is more together in this recording than Lenny's. Besides, Minnesota's strings sound better than virtually any other American orchestra today--particularly the basses (although I may be a bit biased--I study with one of them). Since I've seen them perform the 3rd twice, I can honestly say you would have to strain to hear a difference between listening to the CD and sitting in Orchestra Hall. In addition, despite it probably being a commercially-driven move, having Copland's 3 most well-known works all in one spot isn't too bad. Own this recording!!

Absolutely Incredible!!.......2001-08-16

I had the extreme pleasure of being under the conduction of Eiji Oue a few years ago for several concerts and rehearsals throughout the country. He is an inspiring individual both in his musical abilities and personal character and his ability to hear the smallest details of the music was amazing. He is by far the most extraordinary conductor I have ever worked with and no music collection is complete until it contains some of his works. I just can't say enough good things about him.

His interpretations of these Copland works is equally impressive as he brings out the little nuances of the music and accentuates the high points. His recordings are not to be missed and this one is no exception. The Third Symphony is first-rate in every way. This cd will become a treasured part of your collection for years to come and the HDCD format makes the performances that much more lifelike.

The true sound of Copland.......2001-07-10

From the beginning, this CD has been recorded with superb quality for its reproduction. (It is 24 Bit HDCD)

The interpretations, performed in this case by Mr. Oue conducting the Minnesota Orchestra, are far more than outstanding!

It seems that sometimes a group of people (in this case conductor and orchestra) get tuned, all at the same time, in a unique mood to perform a work in the best way possible, and this is exactly what you get from this CD.

It would seem that the works were composed and awaited for this particular interpretation and I really think that anyone who tries to find out another that surpasses this one, then will have a very tough job to do.

Getting things simplier, get this one and you will enjoy it forever. The sound, besides being HDCD, has no less of the standard quality of any from Reference Recordings.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

10th Avenue Freakout

Cantanti Italiani Di Wagner Vol. 1

Douce Dame

Vol. 1-Country Christmas to Remember

D:Vision Club Session, Vol. 2 [Import]

Dark Side of the Moog 6

Facing The Millenium

Feats Don't Fail Me Now

Da Vinci Mood [Import]

Flying Dutchman (Ger) [Import]

Dream [Import]

Canta Como: Shakira [Karaoke]

En Europa [Import]

Rachmaninov: Complete Operas (Aleko, The Miserly Knight, Francesca di Rimini)

Jazz 101: Introduction to Swing