AMERICAN HIGHWAYS: Henry Cowell’s “Legends”
American maverick composer Henry Cowell thought big when he composed symphonic music, and these works are no exception. Obsessed by Irish folklore, he experimented with Irish themes throughout his life. The grandiose and lush Four Irish Tales are based on his avant-garde Irish Legends which in turn are based on stories he may have heard from his father (a poet) or from spiritual guru John Varian (also a poet).
In this episode of American Highways, pianist Guy Livingston brings us powerful music of Henry Cowell, including the European radio premiere of Symphony Number 2, “Anthropos”, conducted by Leon Botstein.
More at GuyLivingston.com/radio
Theme music: Henry Cowell
Symphony #11 “Seven Rituals of Music”
VI. Vivace
Robert Whitney: Louisville Orchestra
First Edition FECD-0003
Cowell, Henry
Four Irish Tales:
I The Tides Of Manaunan
II Exultation
III The Harp of Life
IV The Lilt of the Reel
Conductor – Michael Stern; Orchestra – Radio Symphony Orchestra Saarbrücken; Piano – Stefan Litwin
Col Legno – WWE 1CD 20064
Henry Cowell.
Symphony No. 2 – “Anthropos”
I. Repose
II. Activity
III. Repression
IV. Liberation
American Symphony Orchestra & Leon Botstein at Avery Fischer Hall
iTunes digital release of live perf. American Symphony Orchestra 2010
Henry Cowell
Pulse
Kroumata Percussion Ensemble, Johan Silvmark & Leif Karlsson
BIS (Sweden) LP 232
Henry Cowell
Three Legends
I The Tides Of Manaunan
II The Hero Sun
III The Voice of Lir
Stefan Litwin, piano solo
Col Legno – WWE 1CD 20064
