Grofe's popular Grand Canyon Suite, derived from his early period roaming the desert and mountain country as an itinerant pianist, is in five sections, each...

Grofe's popular Grand Canyon Suite, derived from his early period roaming the desert and mountain country as an itinerant pianist, is in five sections, each inspired by the imposing beauty of America's mighty natural wonder. It was first performed by Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra in Chicago's Studebaker Theater on 22nd November 1931, to considerable critical acclaim.

The evocative four-movement Mississippi (A Tone Journey) - A Descriptive Suite of 1926 is generally now known as the Mississippi Suite. The great American river, celebrated in history, legend and art, recalls in its very name memories of great explorers, the feats of Paul Bunyan and the adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer. Grofe's suite starts with Father of Waters, an impression in music of the upper reaches of the river itself, majestic and smooth-flowing. Here there are references to the earliest inhabitants of the Mississippi's banks, the American Indians who gave the river its name. The second movement, Huckleberry Finn, depicts the young rogue of Mark Twain's story. Old Creole Days creates a romantic mood suggesting moonlit Louisiana gardens. The portrait of the mighty river is completed by Mardi Gras, reflecting the bustle, jollity and excitement of carnival in New Orleans.

Among Grofe's last major works was a commission from the New York State Power Authority, to commemorate the opening of the largest power plant at Niagara Falls, the Roben Moses Power Plant, On l0th February 1961, Ferde Grofe was there to conduct the Buffalo Philharmonic in the first performance of his Niagara Falls Suite...The suite, crafted by a master orchestrator, offers a vivid depiction of one of America's most magnificent sights.

Victor and Marina A. Ledin
From the album liner notes