Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Amy Beach's "Beach: Works," a stunning collection of the composer's most celebrated pieces, set to release on March 28, 2025, via Solo Musica. This album is a testament to Beach's mastery of chamber music, featuring a blend of instrumental and vocal-orchestral works that showcase her unique musical language and deep emotional resonance.
At the heart of the album is Beach's monumental "Symphony in E Minor, Op. 32," affectionately known as the "Gaelic Symphony." This four-movement symphony is a cornerstone of Beach's repertoire, reflecting her Irish heritage and her ability to weave intricate, evocative melodies. The symphony is paired with her "Bal Masqué" for Orchestra, Op. 22, a lively and colorful piece that highlights Beach's compositional prowess.
In addition to these instrumental works, the album features three vocal-orchestral pieces that demonstrate Beach's versatility as a composer. "Eilende Wolken, Segler die Lüfte, Op. 18," "Jephthah's Daughter, Op. 53," and "3 Songs, Op. 21: No. 2, Extase" showcase Beach's ability to set text to music, creating powerful and moving vocal performances.
The album also includes "Jephthah's Daughter, Op. 53," a dramatic and powerful work that tells the biblical story of Jephthah's daughter with intense musical storytelling. The album concludes with "Extase," a beautiful and intimate piece that showcases Beach's ability to capture the essence of human experience in her music.
With a duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes, "Beach: Works" is a comprehensive introduction to the world of Amy Beach, a composer who, despite being largely self-taught, made a significant impact on the musical landscape of her time. Whether you're a longtime fan of Beach's music or a newcomer to her work, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.