Michael Daugherty: Tales of Hemingway, American Gothic & Once upon a Castle

Michael Daugherty's "Tales of Hemingway, American Gothic & Once upon a Castle" is a captivating journey through the composer's unique avant-garde style, brought to life by the Nashville Symphony under the baton of Giancarlo Guerrero. This live album, released on Naxos in September 2016, offers a compelling exploration of Daugherty's distinctive musical language, which has garnered him critical acclaim and a GRAMMY Award.

The album is divided into three main sections, each inspired by different sources of American culture and literature. "Tales of Hemingway" pays homage to the legendary author Ernest Hemingway, with each movement drawing inspiration from his renowned works. "American Gothic" delves into the iconic American art scene, while "Once upon a Castle" revisits the opulent world of Hollywood's golden age, with revised versions of pieces inspired by famous film locations.

Featuring a stellar lineup of performers, including Paul Jacobs on organ and Zuill Bailey on cello, the album showcases the Nashville Symphony's virtuosity and versatility. The live recordings capture the energy and excitement of the performances, making for an engaging and dynamic listening experience.

With a running time of approximately 77 minutes, this album is a testament to Michael Daugherty's innovative compositional style and his ability to blend diverse influences into a cohesive and compelling musical narrative. Whether you're a fan of avant-garde music or simply looking to explore something new, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.