Paul Creston: Symphony No.3; Partita for Flute, Violin & Stings, Op. 12; Out of the Cradle; Invocation & Dance, Op. 58

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Here's a recording that predates the popular Naxos recording of Creston's first three symphonies. As this CD was successful enough to warrant a sequel (Delos' Orchestral Works, Volume II), we may suppose that it probably did much to make the Naxos recording possible. This CD and the Naxos have a symphony in common, Number Three (1950). Schwarz and the Seattle band don't have Naxos' somewhat more spacious Ukrainian acoustics, but they do have significantly more accurate playing (especially in the fast violin passage toward the end of the third movement), and I kind of prefer the slight emphasis of brass and winds from Seattle.The present recording also gives us a sampling of some early Creston, the Partita, Op. 12 (1937), a five movement Baroque/Classical bow with plenty of fancy passages excellently played by Scott Goff and Ilkka Talvi. Not desert island fare by any means, but it does offer an important hint as to the solid foundation upon which Creston would soon build.The...Read more

This CD introduced me to the work of Paul Creston. Creston is, perhaps, a quintessential American composer. Born into a poor family, he basically taught himself to become a composer, an organist, and a pianist.His work did pay off, as is demonstrated by these works. Especially reccommended is his Symphony No. 3 "Three Mysteries". For anyone who loves American music, this CD is a must have.

Paul Creston was one of the great American composers; unfortunately, the emergence of twelve tone and serial music led to his being sidelined. Even Samuel Barber was being denigrated by professors at the Julliard School in New York from the sixties to the eighties. The third symphony and the Invocation and Dance are sterling examples of Creston's flair for lively dance rhythms. Out of the Cradle is another fine example of his affinity for the writings of Walt Whitman.
Creston comes as close as possible to the American paradigm of the self-made man. He was forced to leave high school after his freshman year to work with his dad, a house painter, to support his family. Creston was persistent in educating himself in so many areas, not just in music. He was also the organist at the Actor's Chapel; he played very well.
This is a man to admire not only for his musical talent but also for his persistence in overcoming adversity. I have long enjoyed his music and respected the...Read more