William Bolcom: Symphony No. 1; Symphony No. 3; Seatlle Slew Orchestral Suite
Now that William Bolcom'sSongs of Innocence and of Experienceon Naxos is beginning to get him the attention he deserves as a composer, a collection like this is particularly welcome and useful. Bolcom's First Symphony (1957) is a collection of teenage hijinks somewhat reminiscent of Shostakovich's First Symphony. It imitates an amazing range of music and composers, including a major tribute to Ives in the finale, yet somehow hangs together. The Third Symphony, from two decades later (1979), is larger-scale, serious, and more challenging in content, yet still a thoroughly rewarding and accessible piece. Seattle Slew (1986) is just plain fun, and a reminder that Bolcom has always been involved in American popular music as a major part of his activities. The recordings are among the latest in the Louisville series (1990-91), so they sound excellent, and Smith and his ensemble give brilliant, committed performances. Definitely worth hearing!--Leslie Gerber