Albany Records: Fall River Legend

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Americana at its best.

The basic story line of this ballet, created by Morton Gould for Agnes de Mille, follows the notorious Lizzie Borden murder case. The conversation between the two collaborators (de Mille and Gould) that opens this recording serves to provide a fascinating description of the creation of the Fall River Legend Ballet and chronicles the historical events leading up to the premiere. Born in1913 in Richmond Hill, New York, Morton Gould gained early critical attention as a piano prodigy, and for his composing and improvising abilities - his first composition was published at the age of six. By the time he was 21, Gould was conducting and arranging a weekly series of orchestra-radio programs for the WOR Mutual Network. Many of his works and orchestral settings were introduced on these broadcasts. Gould's work is known for its distinctively American flavor, integrating folk, blues, jazz, gospel and western elements.

Review:

"This release marks the first complete recording of Morton Gould's music for Agnes de Mille's kinetic 1948 retelling of the Lizzie Borden story (the performance includes the spoken indictment delivered by actor Brock Peters). Rosenstock, the longtime music director of Dance Theatre of Harlem (which performs Fall River Legend magnificently) leads his British orchestra in this foray into Americana with fervor. But the CD is even more valuable for the accompanying 26-minute conversation between Gould and de Mille." (San Francisco Examiner)

Americana at its best.

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