Next is the famous Grand Canyon Suite written in 1934, inspired by Grofe s travels in the desert and mountain country. First performed by Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra in Chicago in November 1931, it soon became a national favorite. Arturo Toscanini and his NBC Symphony Orchestra made a recording in 1945 that quickly became a best-seller. Finally on this CD we have Niagra Falls Suite composed in 1961 on a commission from the New York State Power Authority to commemorate the opening of the largest power plant at Niagara Falls, the Robert Moses Power Plant, premiered in February 1961 with Grof conducting the Buffalo Philharmonic. William T. Stromberg, who has conducted many fine Marco Polo recordings of film music, leads the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in superb performances of these colorful scores.
Sonic quality is exemplary, if a bit cavernous, with plenty of low bass and high-frequency sizzle.