Michael Hurd's "M. Hurd: Orchestral Music & Pop Cantatas" is a captivating journey through the composer's diverse musical landscape, released on November 1, 2012, under the Dutton Epoch label. Spanning an impressive 1 hour and 39 minutes, this album showcases Hurd's versatility and mastery across various musical forms.
The album opens with the whimsical "Overture to an Unwritten Comedy," setting the stage for a rich tapestry of orchestral works. Hurd's "Sinfonia Concertante" and "Concerto da Camera" display his classical prowess, with intricate compositions that highlight the interplay between soloists and orchestra. The "Dance Diversions" suite offers a lively exploration of rhythm and melody, while the "Little Suite" presents a charming collection of short pieces, from a graceful waltz to a solemn chorale.
The "Harlequin Suite" and "Charms and Ceremonies" delve into more theatrical territory, blending orchestral and vocal elements to create evocative scenes and moods. The extended "Hip Hip Horatio" cantata is a standout, featuring a series of vignettes that blend pop and classical influences, showcasing Hurd's ability to bridge musical genres.
Throughout the album, Michael Hurd's compositions reveal a keen ear for melody, a sophisticated understanding of orchestration, and a playful yet sophisticated approach to musical storytelling. "M. Hurd: Orchestral Music & Pop Cantatas" is a testament to the composer's unique voice and his ability to create engaging, memorable music that resonates with a wide range of audiences.
(C) 2012 Dutton Epoch(P) 2012 Dutton Epoch
Tracks
Overture to an Unwritten ComedyMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Sinfonia Concertante: I. Allegro moderatoMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Sinfonia Concertante: II. AndanteMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Sinfonia Concertante: III. PrestoMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Dance Diversions: I. Allegro commodoMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Dance Diversions: II. Andante con motoMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Dance Diversions: III. Andante con moto, molto vigorosoMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Dance Diversions: IV. Andante sostenutoMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Dance Diversions: V. Allegro moltoMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Concerto da Camera: I. Andante con motoMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Concerto da Camera: II. Moderato con motoMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Concerto da Camera: III. Allegro moltoMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Little Suite: I. PreludeMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Little Suite: II. WaltzMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Little Suite: III. ChoraleMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Little Suite: IV. MarchMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Plaine and FancieMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Harlequin Suite: I. FanfareMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Harlequin Suite: II. DanceMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Harlequin Suite: III. Popular SongMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Harlequin Suite: IV. CeremonyMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Harlequin Suite: V. FinaleMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra
Charms and Ceremonies: I. InvocationMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Charms and Ceremonies: II. First CharmMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Charms and Ceremonies: III. Second CharmMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Charms and Ceremonies: IV. Spring CeremonyMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Charms and Ceremonies: V. The Peter PennyMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Charms and Ceremonies: VI. Christmas CeremonyMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Charms and Ceremonies: VII. Third CharmMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Charms and Ceremonies: VIII. Fourth CharmMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Charms and Ceremonies: IX. BenedictionMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: IMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: IIMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: IIIMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: IVMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: VMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: VIMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: VIIMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: VIIIMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: IXMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: XMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: XIMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: XIIMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: XIIIMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: XIVMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: XVMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: XVIMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: XVIIMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: XVIIIMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
Hip Hip Horatio: XIXMichael Hurd, New London Orchestra, New London Children's Choir
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