Dive into the enchanting world of Edward MacDowell with this captivating collection of his most celebrated piano works. Released on September 28, 2000, under the Phoenix USA label, this album spans a generous 2 hours and 9 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that showcase MacDowell's unique blend of romanticism and American folk influences.
The album opens with the delicate and evocative "Woodland Sketches, Op. 51," a series of ten pieces that paint vivid musical landscapes, from the tender "To a Wild Rose" to the whimsical "Willo' the Wisp." Following this, the "Sea Pieces, Op. 55" transport you to the briny deep with their nautical themes, ranging from the serene "To the Sea" to the dramatic "From the Depths."
MacDowell's sonatas take center stage next, beginning with the intense and dramatic "Sonata tragica, Op. 45." The album also features his "Piano Sonata No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 50 'Eroica,'" known for its heroic and passionate themes, as well as the "Piano Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 57 'Norse'" and the "Piano Sonata No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 59 'Keltic,'" each offering a distinct character and emotional depth.
Whether you're a longtime admirer of MacDowell's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album provides a comprehensive journey through the pianist's diverse and captivating oeuvre. Immerse yourself in the lush harmonies and evocative melodies that have made Edward MacDowell a beloved figure in American classical music.
(C) 2000 Phoenix USA(P) 2000 Phoenix USA
Tracks
Woodland Sketches, Op. 51: No. 1, To a Wild RoseEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Woodland Sketches, Op. 51: No. 2, Willo' the WispEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Woodland Sketches, Op. 51: No. 3, At an Old Trysting PlaceEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Woodland Sketches, Op. 51: No. 4, In AutumnEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Woodland Sketches, Op. 51: No. 5, From an Indian LodgeEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Woodland Sketches, Op. 51: No. 6, To a Water-lilyEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Woodland Sketches, Op. 51: No. 7, From Uncle RemusEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Woodland Sketches, Op. 51: No. 8, A Deserted FarmEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Woodland Sketches, Op. 51: No. 9, By a Meadow BrookEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Woodland Sketches, Op. 51: No. 10, Told at SunsetEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Sea Pieces, Op. 55: No. 1, To the SeaEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Sea Pieces, Op. 55: No. 2, From a Wandering IcebergEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Sea Pieces, Op. 55: No. 3, A.D. MDCXXEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Sea Pieces, Op. 55: No. 4, StarlightEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Sea Pieces, Op. 55: No. 5, SongEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Sea Pieces, Op. 55: No. 6, From the DepthsEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Sea Pieces, Op. 55: No. 7, NautilusEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Sea Pieces, Op. 55: No. 8, In Mid-oceanEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Sonata tragica, Op. 45: I. Largo maestoso - Allegro risolutoEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Sonata tragica, Op. 45: II. Molto allegro, vivaceEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Sonata tragica, Op. 45: III. Largo con maestaEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Sonata tragica, Op. 45: IV. Allegro eroicoEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Piano Sonata No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 50 "Eroica": I. Slow with Nobility - Fast PassionatelyEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Piano Sonata No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 50 "Eroica": II. Elf-like as Light as Swift as PossibleEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Piano Sonata No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 50 "Eroica": III. Tenderly, Longingly, yet with PassionEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Piano Sonata No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 50 "Eroica": IV. Fiercely, Very FastEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Piano Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 57 "Norse": I. Mesto, ma con passioneEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Piano Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 57 "Norse": II. Tristamente, ma con tenerezzaEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Piano Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 57 "Norse": III. Allegro con fuocoEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Piano Sonata No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 59 "Keltic": I. With Great Powers and DignityEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Piano Sonata No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 59 "Keltic": II. With Naive TendernessEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel
Piano Sonata No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 59 "Keltic": III. Very Swift and FierceEdward MacDowell, Alan Mandel