Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of orchestral brilliance with the Eastman-Rochester Orchestra, led by the esteemed Howard Hanson. This album, released in 1992 under Decca Music Group Ltd., is a captivating journey through a variety of musical landscapes, each track a masterpiece in its own right. Spanning a little over an hour and fourteen minutes, the album is a testament to the orchestra's versatility and Hanson's conducting prowess.
The album opens with a pageant of P.T. Barnum, a series of tracks that bring to life the eccentric characters and spectacles of the famous showman's world. From the whimsical "Boyhood at Bethel" to the grand "Circus Parade," these pieces are a delightful blend of storytelling and orchestral music.
Next, the orchestra takes you on a whimsical adventure with "Adventures in a Perambulator." This suite of six short pieces paints vivid pictures of childhood memories and imaginative scenarios, from the joyous "En voiture!" to the dreamy "Dreams."
The album then transports you to a world of fairy tales with "Once Upon a Time - Suite of 5 Fairy Tales." Each track is a musical retelling of a classic fairy tale, from the brave "The Tinder-Box Soldier" to the enchanting "Dance of the Twelve Princesses."
The final section of the album is a selection of pieces from McGuffey's Reader, a classic American textbook. These tracks, including "The One-Horse Shay" and "Midnight Ride of Paul Revere," are a nod to American history and literature, brought to life through the power of the orchestra.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. The Eastman-Rochester Orchestra, under the baton of Howard Hanson, delivers a performance that is as technically impressive as it is emotionally resonant.
