Experience the exhilarating energy of ROCO's annual conductorless concert with "Legendary Love, Conductorless!" This live album captures the essence of ROCO's innovative and collaborative spirit, featuring a stunning array of world premieres and classic pieces performed with precision and passion.
Under the leadership of concertmaster Scott St. John, ROCO delivers a captivating performance that showcases their musical prowess and dedication to artistic excellence. The album opens with a suite of "Nursery Rhymes," each piece a delightful exploration of familiar tunes reimagined for a modern audience. These live performances are followed by a selection from Sergei Lyapunov's "Legends," offering a taste of classical elegance.
The centerpiece of the album is the world premiere of "Legendary Love," a commissioned work by Dan Visconti honoring Christian Kidd, the lead singer of the Houston-based '70s punk rock band, The Hates. This unique blend of classical and rock influences adds a contemporary edge to the concert, making it a standout piece in ROCO's repertoire.
In addition to Visconti's composition, the album features two new commissions by Houston-based composer Mark Buller. These works, along with a performance of Chopin's "Mazurek in E Minor," highlight the diverse range of musical styles and influences that ROCO embraces.
The concert concludes with "Tombstone Songs" and "Wood Notes," both of which feature world premieres that showcase the ensemble's versatility and creativity. From the haunting melodies of the "Tombstone Songs" to the evocative landscapes of "Wood Notes," ROCO demonstrates their ability to captivate and inspire.
"Legendary Love, Conductorless!" is a testament to ROCO's commitment to innovation and excellence. With its blend of classic and contemporary pieces, this live album offers a unique and unforgettable listening experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of ROCO or discovering their music for the first time, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.
(C) 2018 River Oaks Chamber Orchestra(P) 2018 ROCO
Tracks
Nursery Rhymes: I. Jack Sprat (World Premiere) - LiveMark Buller, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Nursery Rhymes: II. Elsie Marley (World Premiere) - LiveMark Buller, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Nursery Rhymes: III. Little Jack Horner (World Premiere) - LiveMark Buller, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Nursery Rhymes: IV. There was an Old Woman (World Premiere) - LiveMark Buller, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Nursery Rhymes: V. Goosey, Goosey, Gander (World Premiere) - LiveMark Buller, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Nursery Rhymes: VI. Johnny Shall Have a New Bonnet (World Premiere) - LiveMark Buller, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Nursery Rhymes: VII. Little Tom Tucker (World Premiere) - LiveMark Buller, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Nursery Rhymes: VIII. Lullaby (World Premiere) - LiveMark Buller, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Nursery Rhymes: IX. Cross Patch (World Premiere) - LiveMark Buller, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Nursery Rhymes: X. Bonny Lass, Pretty Lass (World Premiere) - LiveMark Buller, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Nursery Rhymes: XI. Polly Put the Kettle On (World Premiere) - LiveMark Buller, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Legends, Op. 59, b. 122: VI. Allegro con moto - LiveAntonín Dvořák, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Legends, Op. 59, b. 122: IX. Andante con moto - LiveAntonín Dvořák, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Mazurek in E Minor, Op. 49 - LiveAntonín Dvořák, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Legendary Love (In Honor of Christian Kidd) (World Premiere) - LiveDan Visconti, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Tombstone Songs: I. Mr. Peck (World Premiere) - LiveMark Buller, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Tombstone Songs: II. Solomon Pease (World Premiere) - LiveMark Buller, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Tombstone Songs: III. Mary Jane (World Premiere) - LiveMark Buller, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Tombstone Songs: IV. Martin Elginbrodde (World Premiere) - LiveMark Buller, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Tombstone Songs: V. Ann Mann (World Premiere) - LiveMark Buller, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Tombstone Songs: VI. Old Clerk Wallace (World Premiere) - LiveMark Buller, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Tombstone Songs: VII. Jonathan Blake (World Premiere) - LiveMark Buller, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Wood Notes: I. Singing River (Moderately Slow) (World Premiere) - LiveWilliam Grant Still, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Wood Notes: II. Autumn Night (Lightly) (World Premiere) - LiveWilliam Grant Still, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Wood Notes: III. Moon Dusk (Slowly and Expressively) (World Premiere) - LiveWilliam Grant Still, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley
Wood Notes: IV. Whippoorwill's Shoes (Humorously) (World Premiere) - LiveWilliam Grant Still, Roco, Scott St. John, Andrew Bradley