The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) announces the November 17 release of its latest recording Concertos for Orchestra, the second under Music Director Louis Langrée. The recording features the world premieres of three concertos for orchestra commissioned by the CSO: Zhou Tian’s Concerto for Orchestra, Thierry Escaich’s Psalmos and Sebastian Currier’s FLEX.
“We commissioned these concertos for orchestra not only because these full-scale pieces can demonstrate the virtuosity of the Orchestra and its players, but also because they allow for a rich variety of orchestral colors,” said Mr. Langrée. “There is room for solos as well as dialogue between individuals and groups. The specific style and sound of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra emerges from this rich genre.”
Concertos for Orchestra was recorded live at Music Hall during the world premiere performances of the works in November 2015 and May 2016. Each work showcases the virtuosity, style and sound of the CSO, furthering a genre championed by the likes of Béla Bartók and Witold Lutosławski.
Since its founding in 1895, the CSO has remained committed to commissioning and premiering new works, several of which have become mainstays of the orchestral repertoire. “The CSO's mission statement is to seek and share inspiration. This is exactly what we are doing with this important recording project,” said Mr. Langrée.
Concertos for Orchestra was produced by Elaine Martone of Sonarc Music Recording and engineered by Chelsea Crutcher of Cincinnati Public Radio. Production assistance was provided by CSO Associate Conductor Keitaro Harada and Assistant Conductor Gene Chang.
The commissioned works of Zhou Tian’s Concerto for Orchestra, Thierry Escaich’s Psalmos and Sebastian Currier’s FLEX were made possible by a generous gift from Ann and Harry Santen. The recording of Zhou Tian’s Concerto for Orchestra was made possible by a generous gift from Mace Justice. The recording of Sebastian Currier’s FLEX and Thierry Escaich’s Psalmos was made possible by a generous gift from Tom and Dee Stegman.
The recording is available for pre-sale on Amazon and iTunes now. It will be available at the CSO’s gift shop and in selected retail stores beginning November 17. For more details on the album and to view the liner notes, visit cincinnatisymphony.org.
