Dive into the avant-garde world of Charles Ives with his compelling symphonic works, now available on the album "Ives: Symphony No. 3 / Washington's Birthday." This captivating collection, released on February 23, 2003, under the Naxos label, showcases Ives' unique compositional style and innovative approach to music.
The album opens with Ives' Symphony No. 3, subtitled "Camp Meeting," a three-movement work that draws inspiration from the spiritual and communal aspects of American camp meetings. The symphony is followed by "Washington's Birthday," a piece that pays homage to the first president of the United States, and "The Unanswered Question," a thought-provoking work that explores the existential questions of life.
Also included are "Central Park in the Dark," a nocturnal piece that captures the essence of New York City's most famous park after sundown, and "Country Band March," a lively and energetic work that evokes the spirit of American folk music. The album concludes with the "Overture and March 1776," a patriotic piece that commemorates the year of American independence.
Performed by the Royal Northern Sinfonia and conducted by James Sinclair, this album offers a unique and engaging listening experience that showcases the breadth and depth of Charles Ives' musical genius. With a total runtime of 49 minutes, this album is a testament to Ives' enduring influence on the world of classical music.