Maya Angelou transports in CSO's new 'Hallowed Ground'
One of the last public appearances made by Maya Angelou was onstage at Cincinnati's Music Hall, as narrator in Aaron Copland's iconic "Lincoln Portrait" with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. The moment, arguably one of the most inspiring in the life of the city, was captured for posterity in a live Music Hall recording. On Tuesday, it was released on the orchestra's own Fanfare Cincinnati label.
Angelou's eloquent reading of Lincoln's words, "that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth," heard against a trumpet solo in the orchestra, is both deeply moving and spine-tingling. In the context of today's world, these words are a powerful reminder of the fragility of democracy, enunciated by an author, poet and humanitarian who has advocated for "truth, justice and love."
The occasion was the inaugural concert in November 2013 of Louis Langrée as music director of the Cincinnati Symphony. "Hallowed Ground," Langrée's first album with the orchestra, was recorded live in Music Hall in November and March. Besides "Lincoln Portrait," the all-American album includes two new works by composers David Lang and Nico Muhly, commissioned for the orchestra's MusicNOW Festival and premiered in March.
Copland's "Lincoln Portrait" was commissioned by conductor André Kostelanetz, who led the world premiere by the Cincinnati Symphony in 1942. Its narration is a collage of Lincoln's writings, including the Gettysburg Address, written almost exactly 150 years before this performance. Leading the orchestra, Langrée conveyed both the reverence of Copland's music and the more light-hearted moments of sheer Americana. (You can hear "Camptown Races" woven into the music). The conductor allowed phrases to breathe and was a seamless partner as Angelou delivered her transporting oratory.
Angelou died at age 86 in May, a few months after the performance and live recording. As a tribute to this collaboration, a string quartet from the Cincinnati Symphony played at her funeral.
Lang wrote his orchestral work, "Mountain," as a musical portrait of Copland. In contrast to Copland's music, it jars the listener with its percussive, edgy musical gestures. It's not easy listening, and despite the Copland connection, I question its order of placement on the album.
Muhly's "Pleasure Ground," in contrast, is immediately engaging, with bubbling, minimalist textures. It depicts the life of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, and the recording features baritone Nathan Wyatt as soloist.
Muhly is one of the most original composers of today, who writes elegantly for the voice. Olmsted's words are beautifully married to the music and Wyatt sings them expressively. Langrée illuminates details and propels tempos well. The orchestra sounds top-notch throughout the album.
"Hallowed Ground" is on the Fanfare Cincinnati label and will be distributed by Naxos of America Inc. It's available on iTunes, Amazon and at area stores. It is being sold in Music Hall for $16, including tax.
