Review: American Rapture

Jean-Jacques Millo, Opus Haute Definition (French). Click here for the original review (with translation).

With two world premieres, this album is a godsend that allows you to discover a part of American music. Besides the famous Symphony Nº1 Op. 9 by Samuel Barber, dating from 1936, we can savor the Concerto for Harp from 2018 signed by Jennifer Higdon, composed at the initiative and dedicated to the soloist Yolanda Kondonassis. The work is made up of four movements with evocative titles (First Light, Joy Ride, Lullaby, Rap Knock). It finds an architectural balance most notably in the transitions between the different parts. Yolanda Kondonassis here is one of the most important things in the world. The recording ends with the symphonic work “American Rapture” by the composer Patrick Harlin. Dating from 2011, this latter imposes, in just a few minutes, a sound universe that is most fascinating. Ward Stare here conducts the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra with a sure sense of breathing and colors that we can appreciate. This release is the top of the heap.