Liner Notes
Cat. No. NWCR826
Release Date: 1999-01-01
Henrik Svitzer, flute; Nora Post, oboe; Men and Boys Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral; Frederick Burgomaster, Conductor; Martha Herr, soprano; Leo Smit, piano; Rachel Lewis, soprano; Laurence Trott, piccolo; Jan Williams, percussion; John Moses, clarinet; Louise Schulman, viola; Erich Graf, flute; Gary Hickling, bass; Herb Rankin, trombone; Edward Birdwell, French horn; Allan Dean, trumpet; Peter Simmons, bassoon; Gregg Smith Singers; Sir Fred Hoyle, narrator; Leo Smit, Conductor
I met Leo Smit through Aaron Copland who always referred to his friend and colleague as “dear Leo.” Copland was not only perceptive about the quality of the man, but admiring of his fine musicianship and extraordinary talents. Smit’s sweetness becomes lyricism in his compositions. Another basic characteristic, a sense of fun, results in pieces with rhythmic energy and vitality. If there was ever a case for music sounding like its composer, here you have it!
Another of Leo Smit’s talents is the shaping of programs that are unusual and yet designed to delight audiences. Although he often performs the music of his American colleague-composers, Smit’s dedication to music of all periods and places reflects an acute awareness of the continuity of the art. Leo Smit as composer has sometimes been eclipsed by this strong reputation as performer and presenter. While not uncommon in the music world, it is unfortunate when the talent for composing is as big as this one.
“My first ballet, Virginia Sampler (1947), was written in Aaron’s loft, which I rented when he went off to Europe.” And it was Copland who introduced Leo to Leonard Bernstein, who became another life-long friend. They played each other’s music for decades. Smit has been a constant presence on the chaotic scene of contemporary American music. What a treat it is to have the opportunity to hear his chamber works, which belongs right up there with those of his buddies. —Vivian Perlis
This title, originally issued on the CRI label, is now available as a burn-on-demand CD (CD-R) or download in MP3/320, FLAC or WAV formats. CD-Rs come in a protective sleeve; no print booklet or jewel case included. Liner notes are accessible via the link above.
I met Leo Smit through Aaron Copland who always referred to his friend and colleague as “dear Leo.” Copland was not only perceptive about the quality of the man, but admiring of his fine musicianship and extraordinary talents. Smit’s sweetness becomes lyricism in his compositions. Another basic characteristic, a sense of fun, results in pieces with rhythmic energy and vitality. If there was ever a case for music sounding like its composer, here you have it!
Another of Leo Smit’s talents is the shaping of programs that are unusual and yet designed to delight audiences. Although he often performs the music of his American colleague-composers, Smit’s dedication to music of all periods and places reflects an acute awareness of the continuity of the art. Leo Smit as composer has sometimes been eclipsed by this strong reputation as performer and presenter. While not uncommon in the music world, it is unfortunate when the talent for composing is as big as this one.
“My first ballet, Virginia Sampler (1947), was written in Aaron’s loft, which I rented when he went off to Europe.” And it was Copland who introduced Leo to Leonard Bernstein, who became another life-long friend. They played each other’s music for decades. Smit has been a constant presence on the chaotic scene of contemporary American music. What a treat it is to have the opportunity to hear his chamber works, which belongs right up there with those of his buddies. —Vivian Perlis
This title, originally issued on the CRI label, is now available as a burn-on-demand CD (CD-R) or download in MP3/320, FLAC or WAV formats. CD-Rs come in a protective sleeve; no print booklet or jewel case included. Liner notes are accessible via the link above.
Music of Leo Smit
| MP3/320 | $16.00 | |
| FLAC | $16.00 | |
| WAV | $16.00 | |
| CD-R | $16.00 |
A *.pdf of the notes may be accessed here free of charge.
Track Listing
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At The Corner of The Sky: Vision Event I (Sioux) - Fierce, tense
Leo Smit
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At The Corner of The Sky: Lullaby (Tsimshian) - Serenely
Leo Smit
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At The Corner of The Sky: Vision Event 2 (Eskimo)
Leo Smit
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Buy
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At The Corner of The Sky: Mourning Song (Tsimshian) - Slow, moody, impulsive
Leo Smit
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At The Corner of The Sky: Animal Songs
Leo Smit
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Buy
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At The Corner of The Sky: Vision Event 3 (Eskimo) - Fierce and tense
Leo Smit
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Buy
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At The Corner of The Sky: Song of an Initiate (Huichol) - Fervently
Leo Smit
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Buy
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Songs of Wonder: I. Untold Wonders
Leo Smit
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Songs of Wonder: II. The Horizons of Time
Leo Smit
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Songs of Wonder: III. A Magic Starry Night
Leo Smit
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Buy
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Cock Robin
Leo Smit
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Buy
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Copernicus - Narrative & Credo: I. Introduction
Leo Smit
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Buy
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Copernicus - Narrative & Credo: II. The Birth
Leo Smit
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Buy
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Copernicus - Narrative & Credo: III. The Uncle (Lucas Watzelrode)
Leo Smit
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Copernicus - Narrative & Credo: IV. Cracow Student Song
Leo Smit
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Copernicus - Narrative & Credo: V. Columbus West
Leo Smit
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Copernicus - Narrative & Credo: VI. Italian Madrigal
Leo Smit
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Copernicus - Narrative & Credo: VII. Sorrow & Solitude
Leo Smit
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Copernicus - Narrative & Credo: VIII. The Teutonic War
Leo Smit
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Copernicus - Narrative & Credo: IX. Papal Disputation
Leo Smit
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Copernicus - Narrative & Credo: X. The Book
Leo Smit
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Copernicus - Narrative & Credo: XI. The Death
Leo Smit
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Copernicus - Narrative & Credo: XII. Laudemus
Leo Smit
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Copernicus - Narrative & Credo: XIII. Credo
Leo Smit
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Buy
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