1975 Pulitzer Prize in Music winner and winner of Fulbright and Guggenheim awards , Minnesota composer Dominick Argento marked his diamond jubilee in 2003 with performances of his works by the numerous musical organizations, including the Dale Warland Singers, who have commissioned him across the decades. First we have the first piece written for the group by Argento in 1981, "I Hate and I Love (Odi et Amo)," which includes percussion. Then "A Toccata of Galuppi's, a rhapsody for chamber choir, harpsichord and string quartet, with poetry by Robert Browning. The final piece, "Walden Pond," puts to music the outdoor musings of 19th century author and naturalist, Henry David Thoreau, including "The Pond," "Angling," "Observing," "Extolling" and "Walden Revisited." All songs are lightly accompanied. Extensive liner notes tell us all about the composer, the music and the group. Complex harmonies, dramatic phrasing--very few groups would attempt to perform this music; the DWS do it justice with professional elegance. Excellent! |
