Music of Still and Beach
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
BRIDGE 9086

Here is a superb CD - two classic American Symphonies in famous sterling performances from the Society for the Preservation of American Musical Heritage. William Grant Still's most celebrated work, the African-American Symphony of 1930, blends negro spirituals with glittering orchestrations to form a work of great character and individuality. As Howard Hanson stated, " William Grant Still brought to American music a new voice, a voice filled with lovely melodies and gorgeous harmonies, insidious rhythms, and dazzling colors." Amy Beach's "Gaelic" Symphony of 1934 is likewise a work that appeals to both mind and heart, seamlessly incorporating Irish folk tunes into its late-Romantic world.

These prestigious recordings have been newly re-mastered, giving these already impressive releases new detail and beauty.

Reviews:

“The recordings are well over thirty years old and they sound splendid...the music of these profoundly different composers makes for constructive parallel appreciation. I enjoyed both immensely and all praise to Bridge for this reissue.” - MusicWeb International