Composer: Aaron Copland
Works: Appalachian Spring Suite (1944), Lincoln Portrait (1942), Howard Hanson Symphony No. 3 (1938)
Performers: Boston Symphony Orchestra, Serge Koussevitzky (conductor), Melvyn Douglas (narrator – Lincoln)
Recording: Symphony Hall, Boston: 31 Oct 1945 (Appalachian), 20 Mar 1940 (Hanson), 2 Feb 1946 (Lincoln) mono ADD
Label: Dutton Laboratories Essential Archive CDEA5021
The works of Aaron Copland and Howard Hanson encapsulate a distinctively American soundscape that emerged during the tumult of World War II. Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” and “Lincoln Portrait” resonate with themes of hope and resilience, while Hanson’s Symphony No. 3 captures a more introspective and sometimes sinister reflection on the human condition. This recording, featuring the Boston Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Serge Koussevitzky, not only showcases these pieces at pivotal moments in their histories but also serves as a historical document of the American classical music scene during the 1940s.
Koussevitzky’s interpretation of “Appalachian Spring” is particularly noteworthy, given that the work was still fresh from its composition. The conductor’s approach reveals the ballet’s rhythmic vitality, marked by deliciously rushed slides and deeply resonant bass figures, which are integral to the work’s folk roots. At 13:45, one can hear the Stravinskian influence coursing through the orchestration, a connection that Koussevitzky accentuates with vigor. The way he navigates the plaintive voices at 16:22, bringing them into sharp focus, speaks to his ability to balance the work’s folk elements with its orchestral complexity. The climactic moments are imbued with a symphonic weight that elevates the piece beyond its original ballet context, creating a powerful Abschied in the final five minutes that centers the entire work’s emotional trajectory.
Conversely, Hanson’s Symphony No. 3, while ambitious, shows signs of inconsistency in its execution. The symphony, with its Brucknerian rumblings and Sibelian wind writing, carries an air of grandiosity that sometimes falters, particularly in the finale where the pesante elements risk overshadowing the thematic clarity. While the andante tranquillo attempts to develop a broad, free-ranging theme, it ultimately lacks the cohesion that would make the romantic aspirations of the symphony resonate fully. Some of the darker, surrealistic visions drawn from Hanson’s opera “Merry Mount” manifest effectively, yet the slower sections can feel overly ponderous, diminishing the momentum that Koussevitzky strives to maintain.
The “Lincoln Portrait,” narrated by Melvyn Douglas, retains its stirring emotional impact, embodying the spirit of American idealism. The poignant tenderness of the music underscoring the line “He was born in Kentucky” is a highlight, though it has been effectively rendered by other narrators, such as James Earl Jones and Charlton Heston, in more recent recordings. While Koussevitzky’s interpretation captures the spirit of the text, it does not entirely eclipse these other notable renditions, which offer a different kind of resonance through more modern sound quality.
Sound quality in this Dutton Laboratories release, despite being mono, does not detract from the listening experience. The engineering feels satisfactory, granting the listener a vivid glimpse into the historical performances without the distraction of synthetic artifacts. While some may argue about the limitations of its technical aspects compared to contemporary recordings, the essence of the music remains intact, allowing for a deep appreciation of these seminal works.
The synergy of Copland’s and Hanson’s compositions within this recording encapsulates a pivotal moment in American music history, marked by both triumph and introspection. Koussevitzky’s interpretations, while sometimes uneven, convey a profound respect for the material, and the historical significance of these performances cannot be overstated. This collection stands as a testament to the enduring power of American classical music, making it a worthwhile addition for enthusiasts and scholars alike.
