Higdon: All Things Majestic, Viola Concerto & Oboe Concerto

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Jennifer Higdon's "Higdon: All Things Majestic, Viola Concerto & Oboe Concerto," a stunning collection of works that showcases the composer's distinctive voice and mastery of orchestral composition. This album, released on Naxos in 2017, is a testament to Higdon's status as one of America's most celebrated contemporary composers.

The centerpiece of the album is the Viola Concerto, a three-movement work commissioned by and dedicated to Roberto Díaz, former principal viola of the Philadelphia Orchestra. The concerto is a tour de force for the viola, with lush, cinematic passages that highlight the instrument's expressive range. The work's beauty and innovation earned it the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Classical Contemporary Composition.

Also featured on the album is the Oboe Concerto, a lyrical and evocative piece that showcases the oboe's hauntingly beautiful sound. The concerto is performed with exquisite sensitivity by James Button, principal oboe of the Nashville Symphony.

The album's title track, "All Things Majestic," is a four-movement work inspired by the natural beauty of the American West. Each movement is named after a different location in Grand Teton National Park, and the music captures the grandeur and majesty of these landscapes. The work is performed by the Nashville Symphony under the direction of conductor Giancarlo Guerrero, with whom Higdon has a long and fruitful collaboration.

Throughout the album, Higdon's music is characterized by its rich harmonies, inventive rhythms, and vivid orchestration. The performances by the Nashville Symphony and its soloists are impeccable, bringing Higdon's vision to life with clarity and passion. Whether you are a longtime fan of Jennifer Higdon's music or a newcomer to her work, this album is sure to delight and inspire.

10 maart 2017

2017 Naxos

About Jennifer Higdon

Jennifer Higdon is a celebrated American composer whose contemporary classical works have left an indelible mark on the musical landscape. With a career spanning over two decades, Higdon has garnered numerous prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2010 for her Violin Concerto and three Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Classical Composition. Her compositions, which often draw inspiration from the natural world, have been performed by renowned orchestras and ensembles globally. Higdon's extensive body of work reflects her unique voice and deep connection to her artistic influences, making her a standout figure in the realm of contemporary classical music. Until 2021, she was a professor of composition at the Curtis Institute of Music, further cementing her legacy as an educator and mentor to aspiring composers.