Three Symphonies

Recorded and issued in 2003, to commemorate the composer's 80th birthday, it was nominated for Grammy awards for Best Classical Album, Best Orchestral Performance, and Best Engineered Classical Album, and has received glowing reviews. Rorem's neglected three numbered symphonies (he is best known as writer of songs) were written from 1948 to 1958. The only one previously recorded is the Third, which received it's premiere by Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic in 1959 to much acclaim. These three symphonies are succinct and pithy; their musical language is tonal, eclectic, conservative; they are accessible and immensely attractive; their moods range from power and vigor to playfulness and lyricism, and they have passages of considerable eloquence and beauty.