Immerse yourself in the rich, orchestral tapestry of "Shawn/Lees" by the Albany Symphony Orchestra, a captivating album released on May 1, 2001, under Albany Records. This collection is a testament to the symphony's prowess, featuring two major piano concertos that showcase the brilliance of composers Allen Shawn and Benjamin Lees.
The album opens with "Crooning," a short orchestral piece that sets the stage for the intricate and evocative "Piano Concerto" by Allen Shawn. This concerto, performed with virtuosity by Ursula Oppens, is a journey through three distinct movements, each revealing the depth and complexity of Shawn's compositional style.
Following this is the "Dance Overture," a lively interlude that leads into Benjamin Lees' "Piano Concerto No. 2." This concerto, also performed by Oppens, is a powerful and dynamic work that spans three movements, each one a testament to Lees' mastery of orchestral and pianistic expression.
The Albany Symphony Orchestra, under the skilled direction of David Alan Miller, brings these works to life with precision and passion. The album's duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes offers a substantial and satisfying listening experience, making it a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
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