Paul Creston
(1906-1985)
Symphony #1, Op. 20 (1940)
Symphony #2, Op. 35 (1944)
Symphony #3 "Three Mysteries", Op. 48 (1950)
National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine/Theodore Kuchar
Naxos 8.559034 72:39
Creston's first three symphonies are characterised by brilliant orchestration, appealing melody and vigorous dance rhythms. They have something of the same mood as some of Peter Mennin's work and I was reminded on more than one occasion of Bernard Herrmann, especially in an eerie two-note phrase in the third symphony which depicts the life of Christ.
Kuchar and his Ukrainian orchestra are in good form here. Naxos has re-released a Seattle version of the fifth symphony from its Delos original, and the fourth is available on Albany.
Read the Classical Net Review.
