Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra; Elie Siegmeister, Conductor; London Philharmonic Orchestra; Russell Stanger, Conductor
New York Brass and Woodwind Ensemble: Robert Heinrich, trumpet; Robert Nagel, trumpet; Ralph Froelich, French horn; Raymond Alonge, French horn; John Swallow, trombone; Harvey Phillips, tuba; Lois Schaefer, flute; Henry Schuman, oboe; Charles Russo, clarinet; Morris Newman, bassoon; Charles Birch, percussion; Emanuel Balaban, Conductor
Robert Nagel Brass Trio: Robert Nagel, trumpet; Robert Heinrich, trumpet; John Swallow, trombone
Of his Symphony No. 3, Elie Siegmeister observes:
“It was composed during 1956 and early 1957, and first performed at a radio concert of the Oklahoma City Symphony Orchestra under Guy Fraser Harrison’s direction in February, 1959.
"In contrast to the broad sonata plan of my two previous symphonies, the Third Symphony is based on a free variation concept. It evolves out of three key ideas: the five-note opening; an upward-reaching chromatic figure; and a ‘wedge’ motive in the trumpets. These undergo kaleidoscopic transformation throughout a structure involving three broad sections: 1. A terse, declamatory introduction; then a fast movement in which insistent motivic statements alternate with dance-like elements; 2. a contemplative slow section, in which a long-lined lyricism dominates, despite explosive interruptions; 3. A scherzo-like closing section, over whose contrasting textures clear motivic designs are superimposed, as in a montage. In the hammering climax the three root ideas are telescoped into one, culminating in a climactic return of the declamatory opening."
William Mayer (b. New York City, 1925) received the greater part of his musical training at Yale University and the Mannes College of Music. He first achieved major public note as a composer with Hello, World!, a theater score for children commissioned by UNICEF and subsequently issued on LP by RCA Victor with the participation of no less a personage than Eleanor Roosevelt. Other theater pieces from Mr. Mayer’s pen include a ballet, The Snow Queen and an opera, One Christmas Long Ago which was produced in concert form by the Philadelphia Orchestra for its 1963 Pension Fund. Among his more frequently heard concert hall works have been the Concert Piece for Trumpet and String Orchestra, Two Pastels for Orchestra, and Andante for Strings, as well as the Essay and Country Fair scores recorded here.
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. Full liner notes are accessible via the link above.
Music of Elie Siegmeister & William Mayer
| MP3/320 | $7.99 | |
| FLAC | $7.99 | |
| WAV | $7.99 | |
| CD-R | $7.99 |
A *.pdf of the notes may be accessed here free of charge.
Track Listing
|
Symphony No. 3: I. Moderato, Pesante - Allegro Ritmico
Elie Siegmeister
|
Buy
|
|
|
Symphony No. 3: II. Lento, Sostenuto
Elie Siegmeister
|
Buy
|
|
|
Symphony No. 3: III. Ritmico, Allegro moderato
Elie Siegmeister
|
Buy
|
|
|
Overture for an American
William Mayer
|
Buy
|
|
|
Essay for Brass and Winds: I. Un poco lento - Moderato - Allegro moderato
William Mayer
|
Buy
|
|
|
Essay for Brass and Winds: II. Allegro ma non troppo
William Mayer
|
Buy
|
|
|
Country Fair
William Mayer
|
Buy
|
