A quick post today to mark the passing of a distinguished American composer, Robert Ward, who died earlier this week.
 |
| Robert Ward |
Ward is best known for his opera
The Crucible but his orchestral music is very worthwhile. This present post has his Symphony No. 3, which dates from 1950.
This entirely sympathetic performance is by the Cincinnati Symphony conducted by its then music director, Thor Johnson. The recording was issued in 1955, although I believe it was actually made in 1953.
 |
| Thor Johnson |
A quotation from
Ward's website is helpful as a quick introduction to his music: "In every aspect of his composition, Ward consciously expresses his philosophy and interpretation of American idealism, which have become part of his being during a long and varied career. As a composer who enjoys the rich palette of life in the United States to its fullest, Robert Ward proudly represents himself as a truly 'American' composer."
Ward was part of New York's musical life for many years before moving to Winston-Salem to become chancellor of the North Carolina School of the Arts.
 |
| Leon Stein |
Also on this record are the "Three Hassidic Dances" by another American composer, Leon Stein, who was associated with De Paul University in Chicago for many years. The dances are from 1940-41 and were an outgrowth of the composer's interest in the ecstatic and mystical aspects of Hasidim. The performance is vigorous and confident.
These recordings were subsidized by the American Composers Alliance during a short-lived agreement with Remington, an interesting budget label of the time. The sound is reasonably good, but as often the case with Remington, the surfaces were not quiet. However, the end result is pleasing and the music is in any case excellent.
