Great CD
Jessica Rissmiller | 07/17/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I spent 17 years as both a private music teacher and a teacher of music in the local university. One of the things that I saw so evident in both the academia as well as the students is the de-emphasis of writing music that could be recognized as such, and the emphasis on abstract or minimal music. Leonard Bernstein was right when he said that the growing rift between audiences and composers is the composers' fault. It is very refreshing to hear a new voice in art music that doesn't feel (in my opinion) he needs to impress anyone, but yet just writes music...and beautiful music it is. I loved the combination of latin rhythms and flavors in the Mountains of Tolima. The piano concerto was very very challenging...interesting as well. Bosnia was haunting, as it should have been. I think Mr. Waring has hit the nail on the head."
Pleasant music to hear....some better than others
Jessica Rissmiller | 09/19/1998
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Overall, I really liked this CD. I thought the music was original, and listeners can definately grasp and enjoy it. I found that some of the pieces like the Bosnia overture, were stronger than the piano concerto. While there is nothing wrong with the concerto overtly, I think the other two overtures are far more original and mature. Reading the liner notes, I noticed that both overtures were completed later, so it seems like this composer was in the process of developing and refining his creations. If I had to classify this music, I would say it reminds me of both film music, as well as music from the late romantic period, like holst, etc. This guy likes to write large, and I look forward to see what comes next from this guy. Worthy CD."
Exciting new work...neo romantic beauty
Jessica Rissmiller | 09/19/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It's refreshing to hear a composer finally write in an idiom that you normally only find in music that is either written for film or by one of the long departed masters of the last century. Waring's music is both accessible to a popular audience and compelling enough to make you want to come back to it over and over. Especially moving is the Bosnian Overture, which is remeniscent of early Mahler and Prokofiev. The piano concerto is a little more Neo-classical in style, very traditional. The Mountains of Tolima is a beautiful celebratory piece with wonderful latin american and spanish overtones in both orchestration and construction. I would say this CD is definately worth checking out!"
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1
