Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of American musical heritage with "The Shining River," a captivating album by the renowned composer Aaron Copland. Released on October 1, 2013, under the Opus Arte label, this classical masterpiece spans a duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes, offering a profound exploration of vocal and orchestral artistry.
The album is a meticulously curated collection of 31 tracks, divided into several thematic sets. It begins with "Old American Songs, Set 1," a series of folk-inspired compositions that showcase Copland's unique ability to blend traditional melodies with sophisticated harmonies. Tracks like "The Boatmen's Dance" and "Simple Gifts" are standout pieces that highlight the album's folk roots and Copland's distinctive style.
The second half of the album features "12 Poems of Emily Dickinson," where Copland sets the words of the celebrated poet to music. This section is a testament to Copland's versatility, as he transforms Dickinson's introspective and often melancholic verses into hauntingly beautiful musical compositions. Tracks such as "Nature, the Gentlest Mother" and "The Chariot" are particularly noteworthy for their emotional depth and lyrical elegance.
"The Shining River" also includes "Old American Songs, Set 2," which continues the exploration of American folk music with pieces like "The Little Horses" and "At The River." These songs are characterized by their lyrical simplicity and emotional resonance, offering a stark contrast to the more complex compositions found in other parts of the album.
In addition to these sets, the album features a variety of other works, including "3 Songs," "Poet's Song," and "Pastorale," as well as live performances of pieces like "6 Lieder, Op. 67" and "6 Elizabethan Songs." These tracks showcase Copland's range and versatility, demonstrating his ability to work in a variety of musical styles and genres.
Throughout "The Shining River," Aaron Copland's mastery of composition is evident. His ability to blend traditional folk melodies with sophisticated harmonies and his skill in setting poetry to music make this album a standout in the classical genre. Whether you are a longtime fan of Copland's work or a newcomer to his music, "The Shining River" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that is sure to captivate and inspire.
Tracks
Old American Songs, Set 1 (Version for Voice & Piano): No. 1, The Boatmen's DanceAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
Old American Songs, Set 1 (Version for Voice & Piano): No. 2, The DodgerAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
Old American Songs, Set 1 (Version for Voice & Piano): No. 3, Long Time AgoAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
Old American Songs, Set 1 (Version for Voice & Piano): No. 4, Simple GiftsAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
Old American Songs, Set 1 (Version for Voice & Piano): No. 5, I Bought me a CatAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
12 Poems of Emily Dickinson: No. 1, Nature, the Gentlest MotherAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
12 Poems of Emily Dickinson: No. 2, There Came a Wind Like a BugleAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
12 Poems of Emily Dickinson: No. 3, Why Do They Shut Me out of Heaven?Aaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
12 Poems of Emily Dickinson: No. 4, The World Feels DustyAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
12 Poems of Emily Dickinson: No. 5, Heart, We Will Forget HimAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
12 Poems of Emily Dickinson: No. 6, Dear March, Come In!Aaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
12 Poems of Emily Dickinson: No. 7, Sleep Is Supposed to BeAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
12 Poems of Emily Dickinson: No. 8, When They Come BackAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
12 Poems of Emily Dickinson: No. 9, I Felt a Funeral in My BrainAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
12 Poems of Emily Dickinson: No. 10, I've Heard an Organ Talk SometimesAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
12 Poems of Emily Dickinson: No. 11, Going to Heaven!Aaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
12 Poems of Emily Dickinson: No. 12, The ChariotAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
3 Songs: No. 3, NightAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
Poet's SongAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
PastoraleAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
Old American Songs, Set 2 (Version for Voice & Piano): No. 1, The Little Horses [1]Aaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
Old American Songs, Set 2 (Version for Voice & Piano): No. 2, Zion's WallsAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
Old American Songs, Set 2 (Version for Voice & Piano): No. 3, The Golden Willow TreeAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott
Old American Songs, Set 2 (Version for Voice & Piano): No. 4, At The RiverAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
Old American Songs, Set 2 (Version for Voice & Piano): No. 5, Ching-a-Ring ChawAaron Copland, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
6 Lieder, Op. 67, TrV 238: No. 1, Wie erkenn' ich mein Treulieb vor andern nun? (Live)Richard Strauss, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
La mort d'Ophelie, Op. 18 No. 2, H. 92 (Live)Hector Berlioz, Susan Chilcott, Iain Burnside
Whether you're just starting your vinyl collection or have been spinning for years, the right turntable makes all the difference. We've selected the best options for every budget.
Whether a review is positive, negative, or neutral, we always publish it. However, we screen every review to ensure it is authentic and free of profanity. These checks happen automatically, though a human occasionally steps in. We never pay for reviews.
Looking for "The Shining River" on vinyl?
We don't have a live price right now, but stock fluctuates daily. You can check for hidden stock on Amazon directly, or let us alert you as soon as it is available.
