Search - Harold Samuel Shapero, Andre Previn, Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra :: Shapero: Symphony for Classical Orchestra; Nine-Minute Overture

Terrific Performance of Neglected Masterpiece

Marko Velikonja | Yerevan, Armenina | 10/18/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In my opinion Shapero's Symphony for Classical Orchestra is possibly the greatest symphony by any American composer, with the possible exception of Copland's Third. An unjustly neglected masterpiece. Andre Previn deserves our thanks for his efforts to revive interest in the work, with performances with a number of top orchestras as well as this recording, though even his heroics don't seem to have given the work legs. As for this performance, the sound is terrific and the playing overall is probably better than the earlier Bernstein/Columbia Symphony version, but it is still surprisingly scrappy in places. Perhaps because it is a very difficult work (and still somewhat unfamiliar to the players). It would benefit from a new recording by a top-notch orchestra (or even by today's LA Phil), but this is a piece I would like every music lover to know, and this recording will certainly help you learn to love it."

Beethoven Meets Copland

Edward J. Kelley | Las Vegas, NV United States | 01/28/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If Beethoven had met Copland and been able to co-write a symphony, this would be the result of their collaboration. Broad architecture, pulsing themes, quiet moments of reflection make this an enjoyable listen. The Previn disc has better sound but the Bernstein version is more driven. I don't think you'd be disappointed in adding this disc to your collection."