Composer: American
Works: American Anthem; America the Beautiful; Star-Spangled Banner; Fanfare for the Common Man; Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing; Shenandoah; America; Variations on a Shaker Melody (“Simple Gifts”); God Bless America; He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands; Battle Hymn of the Republic; From a Distance; Alleluia; Amazing Grace; Lord’s Prayer
Performers: Denyce Graves (soprano), Boston Pops Orchestra, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, Galway Pops Orchestra, Richard Stoltzmann (clarinet), Irma Vallecillo (piano), various unnamed string quartet musicians
Recording: RCA RED SEAL 63888
Label: RCA
The compilation “American Anthem” offers a kaleidoscopic glimpse into the rich tapestry of American popular music, a genre that has evolved in tandem with the nation’s cultural and historical currents. The juxtaposition of classical arrangements and popular standards creates an intriguing dialogue between high and low art, capturing the essence of Americana. Each selection, from the solemn strains of “America the Beautiful” to the jubilant “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” serves as both a celebration and an examination of the American spirit, revealing the complex layers of identity and tradition embedded within these works.
Denyce Graves’ contributions, particularly in “America the Beautiful,” are marked by a poignant expressiveness that is both touching and reflective. However, her vibrato, at times bordering on excessive, tends to overshadow the lyrical simplicity of the melodies. The arrangement, featuring a string quartet and David Perry’s delicate guitar work, aims for a folk-inflected intimacy; yet, it occasionally feels weighed down by a somberness that could benefit from a more spirited interpretation. In contrast, Keith Lockhart’s rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” supported by the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, finds a balance between reverence and exuberance, with the chorus delivering a whispered sincerity that crescendos powerfully.
The engineering quality of this recording merits commendation; the clarity of the orchestral textures allows each instrument’s voice to emerge distinctly. The Boston Pops Orchestra’s performance of Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man,” under the baton of Michael Tilson Thomas, is noteworthy for its grandiosity and precision. The brass section’s bold proclamations resonate with a sense of patriotic urgency, while the strings provide a lush backdrop, showcasing the ensemble’s adeptness in navigating dynamic contrasts. Similarly, the Philharmonia Virtuosi’s interpretation of the “Variations on a Shaker Melody” offers a refreshing buoyancy, with Richard Kapp conducting a performance that dances with lightness and joy.
In juxtaposition to other notable recordings, such as those by the Boston Symphony Orchestra or the New York Philharmonic, this collection feels more like a curated collection of heartfelt renditions rather than a cohesive orchestral experience. The various performances, while enjoyable, sometimes lack the depth and interpretive insight that characterize the finest recordings. Richard Stoltzmann’s and Irma Vallecillo’s “Amazing Grace” stands out for its bluesy inflection, delivering a sense of nostalgia and soulful reflection; yet, the absence of printed lyrics for the choral works can detract from the overall experience for listeners unfamiliar with the texts.
“American Anthem” ultimately serves as an engaging tapestry of American musical heritage, albeit with moments that could benefit from greater interpretive depth. The performances, while varied in quality, convey the spirit of the pieces and the cultural context from which they emerge. This recording is a commendable effort to present a broad spectrum of American classics, appealing to those who appreciate both the historical and emotional resonance of these works.
