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Dear Friend,
Welcome to another edition of WFMT’s New Releases Newsletter!
This month, in conjunction with Independence Day festivities, we are celebrating American composers and music! From the 1800s to today, the US has been home to a vibrant range of classical music. Ranging in scale from piano duo to string quartet to a full orchestra and chorus, these recordings honor the contributions of composers like Amy Beach, George Frederick McKay, Florence Price, John Adams, and Wynton Marsalis.
And while we’re at it, explore some of the newer entries in the American canon in our curated playlist of essential new classical music by contemporary US composers.
So let’s revel in these incredible recordings that speak to the range of backgrounds and inspirations that make up the American experience!
Keegan Morris
WFMT multimedia producer and fellow listener
P.S. We hope you enjoy (and share) this monthly newsletter with friends you think might enjoy it. |
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July Theme: American Composers |
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FEATURED THIS MONTH
Price: Violin Concertos / Piano Concerto / Dances in the Canebrakes |
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Released just last week, this new album represented Price’s complete concerto catalogue. Conductor John Jeter is a tireless advocate for music of Price, and here, he welcomes prize-winning soloist Fanny Clamagirand for the composer’s two violin concertos. explore this album |
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The Music of George Frederick McKay |
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The innovative Formosa Quartet delves into the catalogue of the prolific — but lesser-known — 20th century American composer George Frederick McKay. explore this album |
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American Woman |
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This moving album for cello and piano pairs American Woman composers you may not know — Mary Howe and Helen Crane — with those you may be familiar with: Amy Beach, Margaret Bonds, and Florence Price. explore this album |
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HOST PICK
Marsalis: Blues Symphony |
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Wynton Marsalis is one of the most versatile musical artists working today. His recent Blues Symphony takes listeners on a sonic journey of US history. explore this album |
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The creation of the Blues Symphony was reportedly a long and arduous process for Marsalis. You wouldn’t know it from the confident and magnificent result. This multifaceted and provocative work draws from the blues and other popular forms without mimicking them.
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– Jan Weller, WFMT Host |
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Hallelujah Junction |
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Husband-wife duo Anna Genuishene and Lukas Geniušas harness the rich possibilities of the piano duo in this exploration of American rep by John Adams, Igor Stravinsky, George Gershwin, and Aaron Copland. explore this album |
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Maestra |
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Dr. Samantha Ege is a pianist and music historian dedicated to sharing the stories and music of marginalized composers. Maestra features a piano concerto from African American woman composer Julia Perry. explore this album |
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American Opus |
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American conductor Robert Treviño conducts the Basque National Orchestra in works by George Walker, George Crumb, and Silvestre Revueltas. explore this album |
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Sondheim: New Chamber Music Arrangements |
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These chamber reimaginings of highlights by the great American musical theater composer Stephen Sondheim are a testament to his singular gift for melody and clever writing. explore this album |
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July Playlist: Classical Fireworks |
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