Leonard Slatkin - Orchestral Music - Ives, C. / Persichetti, V. / Harris, R. / Bacon, E. / Gould, M. / Mckay, G.F. / Turok, P. / Copland, A. (LP)

Leonard Slatkin, the renowned conductor, presents a captivating journey through American orchestral music with this compelling album. Released on February 24, 2009, under the Naxos label, this collection spans a rich tapestry of classical compositions, each offering a unique perspective on the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln.

The album opens with Charles Ives' "Lincoln, the Great Commoner" and "A Lincoln Address, Op. 124," setting the stage for a musical exploration of Lincoln's presidency and the Civil War era. Vincent Persichetti's "Ford's Theater" suite is a highlight, featuring a series of evocative movements that narrate the story of Lincoln's assassination and its aftermath. Each movement, from "Preamble" to "Conclusion," is a masterful blend of orchestral colors and dramatic storytelling.

The album also includes works by other notable American composers such as Roy Harris, Ernest Bacon, Morton Gould, Gordon McKay, Paul Turok, and Aaron Copland. Highlights include Harris' "Lincoln Legend," Gould's "Variations on an American Song: Aspects of Lincoln and Liberty, Op. 20," and Copland's iconic "Lincoln Portrait."

With a duration of 1 hour and 52 minutes, this album is a substantial and immersive experience. Slatkin's expert conducting brings out the depth and nuance in each piece, making this a standout collection for fans of classical music and American history alike. Whether you're a seasoned listener or new to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding exploration of some of the most significant works in American orchestral music.