This triumvirate of composers represents an essentially lyrical impulse in American music. Leonard Bernstein's Arias and Barcarolles was completed in 1988 but had existed in some form since 1955. The cycle of songs about love and marriage was written for voice and piano (four-hands) but orchestrated, under Bernstein's supervision, by Bright Sheng, and premiered by Gerard Schwarz. Eclectic, exciting, jazzy, and Mahlerian, it reflects Bernstein in all his multi-faceted glory. Barber's concert overture is a vibrant work, fizzing with energy, whilst Diamond's Elegy offers a poignant, noble and at times violent lament for Ravel.

Tracklist:

Arias And Barcarolles (Arr. Bright Sheng For Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, Strings And Percussion): No. 1. Prelude
Arias And Barcarolles (Arr. Bright Sheng For Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, Strings And Percussion): No. 2. Love Duet
Arias And Barcarolles (Arr. Bright Sheng For Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, Strings And Percussion): No. 3. Little Smary
Arias And Barcarolles (Arr. Bright Sheng For Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, Strings And Percussion): No. 4. The Love Of My Life
Arias And Barcarolles (Arr. Bright Sheng For Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, Strings And Percussion): No. 5. Greeting
Arias And Barcarolles (Arr. Bright Sheng For Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, Strings And Percussion): No. 6. Oif Mayn Khas'ne (At M
Arias And Barcarolles (Arr. Bright Sheng For Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, Strings And Percussion): No. 7. Mr. And Mrs. Webb Say Good
Arias And Barcarolles (Arr. Bright Sheng For Mezzo-Soprano, Baritone, Strings And Percussion): No. 8. Nachspiel
The School For Scandal, Overture, Op. 5
Elegy In Memory Of Maurice Ravel

UPC: 636943970928
Label: Naxos American
Release Date: 4.24.12
Format: CD

Gerard Schwarz - Arias & Barcarolles / Overture to School (CD)