The Road Less Traveled
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Highlighted by Randall Thompson's Frostiana, this recording also contains important choral works by Stephen Shewan, Ron Nelson and Vaclav Nelhybel.

This is a wonderful collection for fans of American composers and choral works alike. Stephen Shewan writes music in all media but has a special affinity for vocal and ensemble works (these can be heard on an earlier Albany release, TROY149). The Celebration Overture, written in honor of the 50th anniversary of KUHF-FM, Houston, Texas, is both celebratory and optimistic. Much of the same spirit carries over to For Dancing Hearts and Tunes while the two other choral pieces reflect a more meditative mood. Randall Thompson didn't compose a particularly large catalog of works but his choral works (which can be heard by these same forces on TROY362) and his beloved Symphony No.2 have assured him a place in the American repertoire. Frostiana, based on Robert Frost poems, is as perfect an example of his charm and nationalistic spirit as one could hope to hear. Ron Nelson writes some of the most exuberant music for band ever composed, and you might remember his wonderfully breezy Savannah River Holiday recorded so many years ago by Howard Hanson. The Te Deum was commissioned by the United States Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants. It is a work full of color, splendor and rich sonorities. Finally we have a work by the Czech-born Nelhybel, a truly prolific composer (over 400 published works) who really deserves greater exposure. The Psalm 150 is a rich, reverent work. The Roberts Wesleyan College Chorale is noted for its unique sound and performs regularly with the Rochester Philharmonic in a wide-ranging repertoire.
Contents:
Stephen Shewan, composer
Celebration Overture
Moores School Symphony Orchestra, Franz Krager, conductor

Randall Thompson, composer
Frostiana
Roberts Wesleyan College Chorale & Chamber Orchestra, Paul Shewan, conductor

Ron Nelson, composer
Te Deum Laudamus
Roberts Wesleyan College Chorale & Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Paul Shewan, conductor

Stephen Shewan, composer
For Dancing Hearts and Tunes
Roberts Wesleyan College Chorale & Chamber Orchestra, Stephen Shewan, conductor

Stephen Shewan, composer
Light
Roberts Wesleyan College Chorale and Percussion Ensemble, Emily Shewan, French horn, Stephen Shewan, conductor

Stephen Shewan, composer
Land of Rest
Roberts Wesleyan Chorale and Strings, Ruth Shewan, soprano, Matthew Curlee, organ, Robert Deutsch, cello, Paul Shewan, conductor

Vaclav Nelhybel, composer
Psalm 150
Roberts Wesleyan Chorale and Brass Quartet, Robert Shewan, conductor

Review:
"...all the performances are accomplished and musically sensitive." (Musicweb)"Stephen Shewan is a composer worth hearing..." (American Record Guide
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