Tears (1996)

Although much of it is somber, Tears is more varied in mood than its title suggests. Aram Khachaturian's Armenian Dances and Dana Wilson's Dance of the New World are exotic and energetic, and any sense of sorrow in their minor keys or dissonances is alleviated by their vigorous rhythms. Percy Grainger's tone-paintings of English country life may provide a sense of nostalgia, but these miniatures are too jaunty and blithe, and their poignance is minimal. Still more out of character for a lachrymose program, Frank Ticheli's ... Read More

Although much of it is somber, Tears is more varied in mood than its title suggests. Aram Khachaturian's Armenian Dances and Dana Wilson's Dance of the New World are exotic and energetic, and any sense of sorrow in their minor keys or dissonances is alleviated by their vigorous rhythms. Percy Grainger's tone-paintings of English country life may provide a sense of nostalgia, but these miniatures are too jaunty and blithe, and their poignance is minimal. Still more out of character for a lachrymose program, Frank Ticheli's Postcard is boisterous and busy, too much of a showstopper to fit comfortably with the other, more subdued works. More appropriate to the album's purposes is Aaron Copland's Down a Country Lane, which may be the most affecting piece presented here. David Maslanka's Tears is the lengthiest work on the disc, and while it seems to be the CD's raison d'être, it is the least compelling offering. Charles Ives' raucous Country Band March, full of quotations and clashing harmonies,... Read Less