Search - Don Gillis, New Symphony Orchestra of London :: Don Gillis: Symphony 5-1/2; The Alamo; Portrait of a Prairie Town; The Man Who Invented Music

Definitive recordings indeed

L. Ackerman | Ashburn, VA (USA) | 07/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The liner notes speak of 'definitive recordings'. And when you check the fact that these were recorded in MONO, 1950, well... BUT: then you notice that the recording venue was Kinsgway Hall and the producer John Culshaw(!); well, those are major words!

So the music is not profound. Gillis is watered down Copland with a little Hanson, but this issue is about true nostalgic symphonic americana, and whent it is so wonderfully performed and sounding so well (even though it is 1950 Monaural!) it does not matter.

The recording is a bit glassy, but the ear adjusts to that. What comes clearly to the fore are all instruments and the extraodinary virtuosity of this "New Symphony" orchestra. However 'correct' and phlegmatic British performing reputation might be, these guys are having the time of their lives with the composer at the helm.

A true enjoyable 80+ minutes (the 2nd disc is a Bonus containing the 14'+ narration with music 'The Man Who invented Music').

At the end, we the listeners enjoy the ride. And Dutton, as always, does it justice with its production values. Wonderful release of symphonic americana."