Ives: Variations On America / Old Home Days / The Alcotts

Dive into the avant-garde genius of Charles Ives with this captivating collection of works, meticulously arranged for wind ensemble. Released in 2007 under the Naxos label, this album offers a unique blend of Ives' iconic compositions, each a testament to his innovative spirit and deep connection to American musical heritage.

The album kicks off with the renowned "Variations on America," a piece that reimagines the familiar tune of the British National Anthem in a distinctly American context. This is followed by a series of marches, suites, and symphonies that showcase Ives' mastery of form and his penchant for incorporating folk melodies and hymns into his compositions.

Notable highlights include the "Old Home Days Suite," a nostalgic journey through small-town America, and "The Alcotts," a movement from Ives' Second Piano Sonata, beautifully transcribed for wind ensemble. Each track is a testament to Ives' ability to blend the familiar with the experimental, creating a sound that is uniquely his own.

The album features transcriptions and adaptations by notable arrangers such as William Rhoads, James Sinclair, and John Elkus, ensuring that Ives' vision is faithfully brought to life for modern audiences. With a duration of just over an hour, this album is a comprehensive introduction to Ives' unique musical language, making it an essential addition to any music lover's collection.