The Merry Mount Suite has enjoyed a fair number of recordings, and it’s a lovely piece, with an attractive love duet and a plenty of rhythmic excitement in the concluding Maypole Dances. The Bold Island Suite receives a world-premiere recording, and it’s quite a substantial work in three attractive movements with the titles “Birds of the Sea”, “Summer Seascape”, and “God in Nature”. Having it in such a beautifully played and recorded performance will delight fans of this appealing composer: it’s completely typical of his conservatively romantic but well-crafted style. It’s a mystery that it has taken so long for this piece to see the light of day.
Kunzel’s view of the Romantic Symphony is brisk and exciting, though perhaps it could use a touch more mystery during the slow introduction to the first movement and in the more spacey bits of the central slow movement. Still, with Telarc’s gorgeous sonics and terrific playing from the brass section of the Cincinnati Pops, I doubt anyone will find much to carp about. In short, this is a very entertaining and enjoyable release, easy on the ear but full of good music. Anyone interested in Hanson should give it serious consideration, even if it duplicates some repertoire available elsewhere. [9/7/2005]
