The Story Of Naxos: The Extraordinary Story of the Independent Record Label that Changed Classical Recording for Ever by Nicolas Soames

Author:Nicolas Soames [Soames, Nicolas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780748131105
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
Published: 2012-05-03T00:00:00+00:00

United States

The ‘American Classics’ series has been central to Naxos in America and now contains more than 360 recordings, many of which cover the leading symphonic composers of the twentieth century. Recording such a list for release on a budget label has been a risk and would not have been possible without support from many organisations, including The Copland Trust, which has helped with funds for musicians and composers. The giant figure of Charles Ives was crucial in releasing American music from European dependence, and when Naxos embarked upon his orchestral works (the symphonies and the Orchestral Sets) it was with the new critical editions. The liner notes explain the musical choices made by editor and conductor, and show the tremendous care taken with these recordings. This is why Symphony No. 4 has not been recorded yet: Heymann is waiting for the new approved edition to be finished. The complete songs appear on seven CDs and also use new editions. Then there are the musical surveys of William Schuman, Samuel Barber, Roy Harris and Leonard Bernstein (from chamber works such as the Clarinet Sonata to major choral works – Chichester Psalms and the Mass – to his most flamboyant musical signature, West Side Story).

A deeper look reveals a much wider and more challenging spread. There are the five string quartets of Elliott Carter, one of the major figures of twentieth-century American avantgarde, played by the Pacifica Quartet; and his Symphony No. 1, coupled with the Piano Concerto. Nine discs are devoted to works by George Rochberg and six discs to the music of Ned Rorem. Rorem is another key figure in twentieth-century American music; these recordings begin with a collection of his songs (sung by Carole Farley, accompanied by the composer) and include the three symphonies as well as a variety of concertos and chamber music. There are also two useful discs of George Crumb, another figure who used experimental techniques and pushed music on through the second half of the twentieth century, developing a distinctive American voice.

Then come the succeeding generations, who dominate the scene today. William Bolcom, John Corigliano and Joan Tower were all born in 1938 and their different musical paths have been reflected on Naxos. The label has even issued a recording called The Class of ’38, featuring music by Bolcom, Gloria Coates (who also has two full discs, one of string quartets and one of symphonies), Corigliano, John Harbison, Frederic Rzewski, José Serebrier, Joan Tower and Charles Wuorinen (who has five full discs of varied music).

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