Three Symphonies
WALTER PISTON Three Symphonies AR011 - $16.99
Go Back >

 

Exciting American music from the Louisville Orchestra First Edition Archives.

Walter Piston was born in Rockland, Maine on January 20, 1894 and died on November 12, 1976. Piston taught himself violin and piano after his family moved to Boston in 1905. He worked as a draughtsman for the Boston Elevated Railway Co. after graduating from the Mechanic Arts High School and played violin in theater orchestras and dance bands. He attended the Massachusetts Normal Art School from 1912 to 1916, receiving a diploma in architectural drawing. During World War I, Piston played saxophone in the navy band. After the war he earned his living by performing in dance halls, hotels, restaurants, and at social events. He enrolled as a special student at Harvard University in 1919. He graduated in 1924 and went to France where he studied with Nadia Boulanger and Paul Dukas. On his return from France in1926 he accepted a position at Harvard, remaining there until 1960.
Contents:
Walter Piston, composer
Symphony No. 5
Louisville Orchestra, Robert Whitney, conductor


Walter Piston, composer
Symphony No. 7
Louisville Orchestra, Jorge Mester, conductor


Walter Piston, composer
Symphony No. 8
Louisville Orchestra, Jorge Mester, conductor
Review:
"Full of bracing Gallic clarity, wit and charm, Piston's harmonically conservative music presents a wide dynamic range, from elegiac slow movements to rhythmically driving finales. Well, by now you get the message. If you want to enjoy this stimulating music, you'll have to stay home with your compact disc player." (Oakland Tribune)
 
Close  X