New Series Showcases MacDowell's Orchestral Works

Edward MacDowell was a prominent American composer of the 19th Century. His contributions to music are numerous. He created the music department at Columbia University and was its first chair. 

He established the MacDowell Colony for artists. The Edward MacDowell Association supported many American composers at the start of their careers, including Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, and Leonard Bernstein. 

And MacDowell wrote an impressive body of music. Today, he's mostly remembered for one solo piano piece, "To a Wild Rose." This collection does include that hit. But it also showcases MacDowell's more substantial works. 

MacDowell spent eight years in Germany in the 1880s, studying and working with the best. Franz Liszt recommended MacDowell to his publisher. He consulted with Clara Schumann and studied composition with Joachim Raff. 

MacDowell wrote his Piano Concerto No. 1 in 1885, while he was in Germany. It reflects the influences of the composers he worked with. And yet it's a work that's in MacDowell's own voice. It's a big, brawny concerto that should be better known. If you like the Romantic repertoire, you should enjoy this work.

Xiayain Wang delivers a fiery performance. MacDowell was a pianist. This work tests the technique of the soloist, and Wang passes with high marks. This is a real showpiece and Wang doesn't hold back. 

The release includes two tone poems as well. Lancelot and Elaine, Op. 25 was composed in 1888, when MacDowell returned to America. Like the Piano Concerto, it shows the strong influence of the Germanic style. 

Lamia, Op. 29 was written twenty years later. To my ears, it's a more interesting work. MacDowell has found his voice. It's not one full of Americanisms, but it's also not Brahmsian. It's simply... MacDowell.

John Wilson leads the BBC Philharmonic in some well-considered performances. I'm happy to see this is volume one. MacDowell was one of the most important composers of his generation. This album provides some hints as to why. Future volumes should solidify that reputation. And perhaps get rid of that one-hit-wonder perception).

Edward MacDowell: Orchestral Works, Vol. 1
Piano Concerto No. 1; Lancelot and Elaine
To a Wild Rose; Two Fragments; Lamia
Xiayin Wang, piano
BBC Philharmonic; John Wilson, conductor
Chandos CHAN 20305