Excitingly new, yet lyrical music
AfroAmericanHeritage | Wisconsin | 04/05/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"With more than 200 recordings and numerous awards to his credit, Maestro Paul Freeman is one of the world's pre-eminent conductors. This CD is one in a growing series which introduces new music and like all the rest, it is stunning. I am primarily interested in works by African American composers, and there are two concertos here by the legendary David Baker. "Concert Piece for Viola and Orchestra" is unusual for Baker in that there is no hint of a conscious jazz influence...he states that his references are Bartok, Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. It is rich, fluid and emotional. "Concerto for Cello and Chamber Orchestra" starts lyrically, and ends with jazz-influenced themes. Interestingly enough, there are no cellos in the orchestral accompaniment."