Dive into the enchanting world of Edward MacDowell with this captivating 1975 release from Baroque Records. This album, featuring the renowned pianist Andrea Anderson Swem, showcases MacDowell's mastery of the romantic and modern styles, offering a rich tapestry of musical experiences.
The album opens with the Second Modern Suite, Op. 14, a six-movement work that spans a range of moods and tempos, from the majestic Praeludium to the fiery Phantasie - Tanz. Each piece is a testament to MacDowell's compositional skill and his ability to evoke vivid imagery through music.
Following the suite, the album presents the Eight Sea Pieces, Op. 55, a collection of evocative piano works inspired by the sea. These pieces transport the listener to the shores and depths of the ocean, with titles like "To The Sea," "From A Wandering Iceberg," and "In Mid-Ocean" painting vivid sonic landscapes.
The album concludes with two lively dances, "Schattentanz" (Shadow Dance) and "Hexentanz" (Witches' Dance), which showcase MacDowell's playful side and his ability to craft memorable, rhythmic melodies.
With a total duration of 47 minutes, this album is a delightful journey through MacDowell's musical universe, performed with skill and sensitivity by Andrea Anderson Swem. Whether you're a longtime fan of MacDowell's music or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
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