Dawn Upshaw's 1991 release, "Copland: Old American Songs & 12 Poems of Emily Dickinson," is a captivating exploration of American musical heritage and poetic elegance. This album, released under Warner Classics International, showcases Upshaw's exceptional vocal prowess across a diverse range of genres, including opera, minimalism, and classical music.
The album is a beautifully curated collection that begins with Aaron Copland's "Old American Songs," a set of traditional folk songs arranged with Copland's distinctive touch. These songs, such as "Simple Gifts" and "I Bought Me a Cat," offer a nostalgic journey through America's musical past. Upshaw's crystalline voice brings a fresh and vibrant energy to these timeless pieces.
The second half of the album features Copland's "12 Poems of Emily Dickinson," a series of art songs that set the renowned poet's verses to music. Upshaw's interpretation of these poems is both delicate and powerful, capturing the essence of Dickinson's introspective and often profound words. Tracks like "Nature, the Gentlest Mother" and "The Chariot" highlight Upshaw's ability to convey deep emotion and subtlety.
Additionally, the album includes selections from Copland's ballet suite "Billy the Kid," providing a dynamic contrast to the more intimate folk songs and art songs. Pieces like "Prairie Night" and "Celebration - After Billy's Capture" showcase Upshaw's versatility and the breadth of her musical talents.
With a total duration of just over an hour, this album is a testament to Dawn Upshaw's artistry and the enduring appeal of Copland's compositions. Whether you're a fan of classical music, opera, or American folk traditions, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Trad / Arr Copland : Old American Songs Set 1 : I The Boatmen's DanceTraditional United States, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Trad / Arr Copland : Old American Songs Set 1 : II The DodgerTraditional United States, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Trad / Arr Copland : Old American Songs Set 1 : III Long Time AgoTraditional United States, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Trad / Arr Copland : Old American Songs Set 1 : IV Simple GiftsAnonymous, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Trad / Arr Copland : Old American Songs Set 1 : V I Bought Me a CatAnonymous, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Trad / Arr Copland : Old American Songs Set 2 : I The Little HorsesTraditional United States, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Trad / Arr Copland : Old American Songs Set 2 : II Zion's WallsTraditional United States, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Trad / Arr Copland : Old American Songs Set 2 : III The Golden Willow TreeTraditional United States, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Trad / Arr Copland : Old American Songs Set 2 : IV At The RiverTraditional United States, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Trad / Arr Copland : Old American Songs Set 2 : V Ching-a-Ring ChawTraditional United States, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Copland : Down a Country LaneAaron Copland, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Copland : 12 Poems of Emily Dickinson : I Nature, the Gentlest MotherAaron Copland, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Copland : 12 Poems of Emily Dickinson : II There Came a Wind like a BugleAaron Copland, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Copland : 12 Poems of Emily Dickinson : IV The World Feels DustyAaron Copland, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Copland : 12 Poems of Emily Dickinson : V Heart, We Will Forget Him!Aaron Copland, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Copland : 12 Poems of Emily Dickinson : VI Dear March, Come In!Aaron Copland, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Copland : 12 Poems of Emily Dickinson : VII Sleep is Supposed to BeAaron Copland, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Copland : 12 Poems of Emily Dickinson : XI Going to HeavenAaron Copland, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Copland : 12 Poems of Emily Dickinson : XII The ChariotAaron Copland, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Copland: Billy the Kid: VII. WaltzAaron Copland, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Copland: Billy the Kid: IV. Prairie NightAaron Copland, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Copland: Billy the Kid: VI. Celebration - After Billy's CaptureAaron Copland, Hugh Wolf, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
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