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American Ballads by Lara Downes, released 12 August 2001
1. Excursions, Opus 20: I Un Poco allegro
2. Excursions, Opus 20: II In slow blues tempo
3. Excursions, Opus 20: III Allegretto
4. Excursions, Opus 20: IV Allegro molto
5. Four Piano Blue: I Freely Poetic
6. Four Piano Blue: II Soft and Languid
7. Four Piano Blue: III Muted and Sensuous
8. Four Piano Blue: IV With Bounce
9. On Gossamer Wings (World Premiere)
10. American Ballads: I Streets of Laredo
11. American Ballads: II Wayfaring Stranger
12. American Ballads: III The Bird
13. American Ballads: IV Black Is the Color of My True Love’s Hair
14. American
American Ballads by Lara Downes, released 12 August 2001
1. Excursions, Opus 20: I Un Poco allegro
2. Excursions, Opus 20: II In slow blues tempo
3. Excursions, Opus 20: III Allegretto
4. Excursions, Opus 20: IV Allegro molto
5. Four Piano Blue: I Freely Poetic
6. Four Piano Blue: II Soft and Languid
7. Four Piano Blue: III Muted and Sensuous
8. Four Piano Blue: IV With Bounce
9. On Gossamer Wings (World Premiere)
10. American Ballads: I Streets of Laredo
11. American Ballads: II Wayfaring Stranger
12. American Ballads: III The Bird
13. American Ballads: IV Black Is the Color of My True Love’s Hair
14. American Ballads: V Cod Liver Ile
15. North American Ballads: III Down by the Riverside
16. 2nd Piano Sonata: “Concord, Mass. 1840-1860”: III The Alcotts
17. Suite from The Plow That Broke the Plains: I Prelude
18. Suite from The Plow That Broke the Plains: II Cowboy Songs
19. Suite from The Plow That Broke the Plains: III Blues
20. Suite from The Plow That Broke the Plains: Finale
21. American Nocturne
“What a wonderful recording I received, a really good choice of program.” – Leslie Kandell, The New York Times
Classical pianist Lara Downes takes us on a journey through the heart and soul of the USA with her second Postcards Records album, “Lara Downes: American Ballads”. On the acclaimed recording, Downes takes a look at some 20th Century American composers that have been influenced by the aural landscape that surrounded them, namely popular song, Jazz, and Folk music. American Ballads features compositions by Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, Charles Ives and others, but one of the highlights of the CD is the world premiere recording of legendary Jazz composer/saxophonist Benny Golson’s Classical composition “On Gossamer Wings”, which Lara debuted at Lincoln Center
“A most delightful artist, with a unique blend of musicianship and showmanship.” – National Public Radio
“Here is technique so good you’re not even aware of it… and yet she never flaunts it, never gets in the way of the music.” – Lynnda Greene, Fanfare Magazine
As a Classical music concept album, “American Ballads” revisits a vanished but not-so-distant era in the United States. American music is as diverse and as varied in its origin as the people who live here and the landscapes we inhabit. Its distinct and beautiful flavor comes from the confluence of these many musical references, and from its very American spirit of independence and adventure. On this recording we find music of many forms and inspirations: an Appalachian Folk melody, a languid Blues, a lounge singer’s romance, the big-city sounds of the Jazz age, a tranquil hymn, a tender lullaby – all are beautiful and unique American Ballads.
“…an imaginative mix…rhythmical and colorful… Very, very pleasing.” – Michael Barone, Public Radio Music Source
“A stylish force at the keyboard.” – Miami Sun Sentinel
This impressive Postcards CD, entitled “Lara Downes: American Ballads”, is not only a collection of music inspired by many distinct American voices, but serves as proof of Lara Downes’ imaginative musical vision, and is a testimony to the talent of one of the world’s great young Classical pianists.
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Release date: 12 August 2001
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