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Adam Schoenberg: American Symphony • Finding Rothko • Picture Studies
Michael Stern, music director; Kansas City Symphony
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Says Schoenberg: “I have dreamt of having an orchestral disc of my music since first becoming a composer. This is an extraordinary gift, and I am thrilled to be sharing my music with all of you. The three pieces that you will soon experience embody my growth from student to professional composer. They each explore different styles, but my artistic voice remains consistent throughout.” Recently named one of the Top 10 most performed living classical composers by orchestras in the United States, Adam Schoenberg’s (b. November 15, 1980) music is “invigorating” (Los Angeles Times), and full of “mystery and sensuality” (The New York Times). This most recent season included performances and premieres at the Library of Congress, Kennedy Center, New York Philharmonic, The Cleveland Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and Hollywood Bowl.
We are proud to present these new works, two of them commissioned by the Kansas City Symphony: American Symphony and Picture Studies. The collaboration between Schoenberg and Michael Stern is extraordinary. Schoenberg states: “He is the first conductor to champion my music. He understands it, embraces it, and gives it an emotional dimension that would otherwise not exist. I also must thank the musicians of the Kansas City Symphony. This is an orchestra that plays with tremendous vigor, spirit, and emotion.” The performances were brilliantly captured by GRAMMY® award winners Keith O. Johnson (engineer), David Frost (producer) and GRAMMY® nominee Sean R. Martin (engineer). The album will be released as a hybrid SACD, compatible with all CD and SACD players; and digitally in standard and high resolution.
I purchased this CD after visiting the KC Symphony on Saturday; it had been released the day before. I have listened to this CD through 3 times now and find the music of Adam Schoenberg to be among the most approachable of modern composers. The opening 4 tracks (Finding Rothko) represent a delightful, thoughtful view of four paintings of Mark Rothko, a very cohesive work. Schoenberg's music is fun and interesting, full of surprises and catchy rhythms similar to Prokofiev (see track 11, Three Pierrots). His dissonance first enhances sweetness and later provides foreboding. It does not play the major role it does for many modern composers. Schoenberg has an ability to make open chords shimmer in a manner similar to Aaron Copeland (Olive Orchard, track 13). There are some beautiful, mystical woodwind lines over luscious strings (see track 8, Prayer). There is a jazz component (Miró, track 16). Further, the recording itself is fabulous. Helzberg Hall is a wonderful place to record; you can hear the same warmth and clarity in this recording that you get from live performances in this wonderful hall. I give this new recording 5 stars.
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