Dive into the captivating world of James Cohn's symphonic masterpieces with the album "James Cohn: Symphonies Nos. 3, 4 and 8." Released on June 12, 2012, under the MSR Classics label, this collection showcases the composer's extraordinary talent and versatility. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 19 minutes, the album is a testament to Cohn's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and atmospheres through his music.
The album opens with the powerful Symphony No. 3 in G Minor, composed in 1955, featuring four distinct movements that take the listener on a journey from the gentle "Allegretto cantabile" to the intense "Allegro furioso." Following this, the Miniatures for Orchestra, composed in 1954 and revised in 1975, offer a delightful interlude with nine short pieces that showcase Cohn's ability to capture diverse moods and styles, from the playful "Boogie" to the serene "Sunset."
The second half of the album is dedicated to two more symphonies. Symphony No. 4 in A Major, composed in 1956, presents a more playful and lighthearted tone, while Symphony No. 8 in C Major, composed in 1978, returns to a more dramatic and intense style. Each symphony is a masterclass in orchestration, with intricate melodies and harmonies that will captivate even the most discerning of ears.
Whether you're a long-time fan of James Cohn or a newcomer to his work, this album is a must-listen. It's a chance to explore the depth and breadth of Cohn's symphonic output, and to appreciate the timeless beauty of his music.
(C) 2012 James Cohn
Tracks
Symphony No. 3 in G Minor (1955): I. Allegretto cantabileJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Symphony No. 3 in G Minor (1955): II. Andante comodoJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Symphony No. 3 in G Minor (1955): III. Scherzo: Presto ma non troppoJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Symphony No. 3 in G Minor (1955): IV. Allegro furiosoJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Miniatures for Orchestra (1954; 1975): 1. SunriseJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Miniatures for Orchestra (1954; 1975): 2. BoogieJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Miniatures for Orchestra (1954; 1975): 3. FreilachJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Miniatures for Orchestra (1954; 1975): 4. DragJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Miniatures for Orchestra (1954; 1975): 5. LegendJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Miniatures for Orchestra (1954; 1975): 6. LullabyJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Miniatures for Orchestra (1954; 1975): 7. ParadeJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Miniatures for Orchestra (1954; 1975): 8. MazurkaJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Miniatures for Orchestra (1954; 1975): 9. SunsetJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Symphony No. 4 in A Major (1956): I. Adagio - Allegro giocosoJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Symphony No. 4 in A Major (1956): II. Andante tranquillo - più mosso, turbato - andante tranquilloJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Symphony No. 4 in A Major (1956): III. Allegretto vivo - Andante tragicoJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Symphony No. 8 in C Major (1978): I. Allegro con motoJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Symphony No. 8 in C Major (1978): II. Andante comodo e cantabileJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Symphony No. 8 in C Major (1978): III. Scherzo: Allegro scherzandoJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor
Symphony No. 8 in C Major (1978): IV. Allegro con fuocoJames Cohn, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Kirk Trevor