United States Military Academy Band: A Tribute to Percy Grainger

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Percy Grainger's musical legacy with this tribute album performed by the United States Military Academy Band. Released on May 1, 2011, this album celebrates the enduring influence of Percy Grainger, a pioneering composer, performer, and folk song arranger whose contributions to the world of music are both vast and varied.

Spanning a diverse range of styles and genres, this collection features 26 tracks that showcase Grainger's innovative compositions and arrangements. From the festive "The Sussex Mummers' Christmas Carol" to the lively "Country Gardens," each piece is a testament to Grainger's unique musical vision. The album includes a mix of original compositions and arrangements, such as "Blithe Bells," a delightful adaptation of J.S. Bach's "Sheep may safely graze," and "Handel in the Strand," a playful take on Handel's music.

The album also features several works from Grainger's "Chosen Gems for Winds" series, highlighting his mastery of wind instrumentation. Tracks like "The Merry King" and "The Immovable Do" offer a glimpse into Grainger's experimental side, while pieces like "Lincolnshire Posy" and "Youthful Suite: V. English Waltz" showcase his deep connection to folk music and dance.

This album is a comprehensive exploration of Percy Grainger's contributions to the wind band repertoire, offering both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to his work a rich and rewarding listening experience. With a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, it's a perfect addition to any classical music lover's collection. The album is released under the Altissimo label, ensuring high-quality production and performance.

Percy Grainger, born in Australia in 1882, was a pioneering composer, arranger, and pianist whose innovative spirit left an indelible mark on the world of music. After studying in Frankfurt, Grainger embarked on a successful concert career in England before moving to the United States in 1914, where he became a naturalized citizen. He is renowned for his role in the early 20th-century revival of British folk music, collecting and arranging numerous folk songs that celebrated the cultural heritage of the British Isles.

Grainger's compositions often pushed the boundaries of conventional music, exploring a wide spectrum of styles from medieval polyphony to early electronic music. He was an inventor at heart, creating "free music" machines that allowed him to experiment with new sounds and textures. His extensive body of work includes around ninety solo piano pieces, many of which are transcriptions of his orchestral and instrumental compositions.

While Grainger's experimental works are notable, he is perhaps best known for his piano arrangement of the folk-dance tune "Country Gardens." Beyond his musical achievements, Grainger was a champion of Nordic culture and a lifelong eccentric, known for his unique personality and unconventional lifestyle. His legacy endures through his compositions, arrangements, and the Grainger Museum in Melbourne, which preserves his life and work for future generations to explore and appreciate.