Walker & Dawson: Orchestral Works / Cabell, Cox, Fisch, Seattle Symphony
The Seattle Symphony releases powerful live performances of works by two brilliant American composers, William L. Dawson and Pulitzer Prize winner George Walker. These deeply expressive scores — recorded in the stunning acoustics of Benaroya Hall — take inspiration from a variety of sources, including Negro spirituals, jazz harmonies and modernist traditions.
The music of George Walker and William Levi Dawson is a microcosm of Black classical composers’ stylistic diversity. Each draw upon African American music idioms for different settings, characters and functions. And yet, the works connect through the importance of programmatic and emotive narratives within the Black classical practice. Whether quoting or arranging spirituals, or using blues notes or serialism, the music of both Walker and Dawson tells a story, be it enormous internal journeys or a massive historical epic.
REVIEW:
The performances are universally excellent. The sound quality is full and clear. My criticisms of the music are generally minor. But all of the music is worth knowing and rewards repeated listening. This disc warrants a hearty recommendation.
-- Fanfare
Product Description:
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Release Date: February 10, 2023
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UPC: 855404005294
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Catalog Number: SSM1027
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Label: Seattle Symphony Media
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Number of Discs: 1
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Period: 20th Century
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Composer: William L. Dawson, George Walker
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Conductor: Roderick Cox, Asher Fisch
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Orchestra/Ensemble: Seattle Symphony
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Performer: Nicole Cabell
Works:
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Lyric for Strings
Composer: George Walker
Ensemble: Seattle Symphony
Conductor: Roderick Cox
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Folksongs for Orchestra
Composer: George Walker
Ensemble: Seattle Symphony
Conductor: Roderick Cox
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Lilacs
Composer: George Walker
Ensemble: Seattle Symphony
Performer: Nicole Cabell (Soprano)
Conductor: Roderick Cox
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Negro Folk Symphony
Composer: William Levi Dawson
Ensemble: Seattle Symphony
Conductor: Roderick Cox