DCD 082 - Christmas Vespers

Episode #82 of the DCD Classical 'Cast podcast features selections from a new recording by the Motor City Brass Quintet. Christmas Vespers is a wonderful collection of holiday music played by some of the finest brass musicians in Detroit. The album gets it title from a work by American composer John Harbison.

"Christmas Vespers" follows the outline of a traditional vespers service, and Harbison weaves traditional carols into his musical tapestry. A fascinating work, and a thrilling recording for anyone who loves brass ensembles!

- Ralph

This episode we play:

The First Noel
Motor City Brass Quintet
from "Christmas Vespers"
BrassJar Music

Carol of the Bells
Motor City Brass Quintet
from "Christmas Vespers"
BrassJar Music

Harbison: Christmas Vespers - Two Choral Preludes for Advent
Motor City Brass Quintet
from "Christmas Vespers"
BrassJar Music

Anderson: Sleigh Ride
Motor City Brass Quintet
from "Christmas Vespers"
BrassJar Music

Harbison: Christmas Vespers - Little Fantasy on the Twelve Days of Christmas
Motor City Brass Quintet
from "Christmas Vespers"
BrassJar Music

DCD 081 - American Journey

Clipper Erickson has long been a champion of American music. So it only make sense that this talented pianist would eventually record an album of said music.

"American Journey" is showcased in episode #81 of the DCD Classical 'Cast. We sample selections from some of the better-known composers, such as Roy Harris and Quincy Porter. We also feature music from composers deserving more attention, such as Nathaniel Dett, the son of former slaves, and Rubin Goldmark, who at one time counted George Gershwin (also represented on the CD) as one of his students.

- Ralph

This program we play:

Roy Harris: American Ballads, Nos. 1-3
Clipper Erickson, piano
from "American Journey"
DTR

Rubin Goldmark: Prairie Idylls, Nos. 2-3
Clipper Erickson, piano
from "American Journey"
DTR

Nathaniel Dett: In the Bottoms, mvts. 4-5
Clipper Erickson, piano
from "American Journey"
DTR

Quincy Porter: Piano Sonata, mvts. 2-3
Clipper Erickson, piano
from "American Journey"
DTR

DCD 080 - Flute Moments

In episode #80 of the enhanced "DCD Classical 'Cast" we feature selections from "Flute Moments with Teresa Beaman."

Teresa Beaman is a reknowned performer and educator. She's toured extensively as a flute soloist, and has commissioned several works for her instrument. "Flute Moments" is a collection of works by 20th Century American composers.

In our podcast, we play excerpts from three of them: Lowell Liebermann, Robert Muczynski, and Edwin Burton. The latter composed his Sonatina for flutist Samuel Baron. Baron was one of Beaman's teachers, giving this work especial significance for Beaman.

- Ralph

This program we play:

Eldin Burdon - Sonatina for Flute and Piano, Mvts. II and III
Teresa Beaman, flute; Jane Davis Maldonado, piano
from: Flute Moments with Teresa Beaman,
Laurel Records release

Lowell Liebermann - Sonata for Flute and Piano, OP. 23 I. Lento con rubato
Teresa Beaman, flute; Andreas Werz, piano
Laurel Records release

Robert Muczynski - Moments for Flute and Piano, Op. 47, Mvts. II and III
Teresa Beaman, flute; Jane Davis Maldonado, piano,
Laurel Records release