“Dawn to Dust shows the broad diversity among contemporary American composers and presents a wide range of styles and quality of work. And each is played with fervor and passion. Nico Muhly's Control…is distinctively American and calls to mind Aaron Copland’s Western inspired works. Andrew Norman's Switch… is a tour de force piece that puts the virtuosity of both the soloist and orchestra on full display. It’s a fabulously dynamic piece that takes the listener on a remarkable sonic journey. But the real gem of this disc is Augusta Read Thomas' EOS. Thomas understands the instruments of the orchestra like few of today’s composers do. EOS is an excellent example of her orchestration talents; it’s brilliantly written and each instrument and section is seamlessly integrated into the textural and musical fabric. The score is vibrant, dynamic and rhythmically thrilling. … These three works are performed with meticulous attention to detail by Fischer and his band. The orchestra plays with clarity, precision and finely crafted articulation. In his time as music director of the Utah Symphony, Fischer has molded it into a first rate ensemble and it’s gratifying to see it once again represented on disc.” —Edward Reichel, Salt Lake Magazine
Labels: Andrew Norman, Augusta Read Thomas, Colin Currie, DawnToDust, Edward Reichel, Nico Muhly, Review, Salt Lake Magazine, Thierry Fischer, Utah Symphony