American Spirit

What is the American Spirit? How can a country of such diversity and individualism have a national spirit? Perhaps the diversity and individualism ARE the American Spirit. That is certainly true in American music: everything from European influenced classicism to home-grown fusions of jazz or rock. This CD represents a great many different American styles spanning the twentieth century, from two of her greatest early masters, through mid-century serialism and pop-influence, to late century experimentation and codification. Sean Osborn has traveled the US and Europe as soloist and traveled the world during his eleven years with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. He has also performed as principal clarinet with the New York Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony, the Seattle Symphony and the American Symphony Orchestra. The New York Times dubbed him "...an excellent clarinetist," and the Boston Globe called him "...a miracle." Making his recital debut at the Kennedy Center at the age of 17, Sean is a top prize winner in both the ARTS Competition and the International Clarinet Society Competition, and in 1984 was named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. He studied at the Eastman School and the Curtis Institute of Music. He is also a respected teacher and has given numerous master classes at such institutions as Rice University, Baylor University, the University of Puget Sound and two at the Manhattan School of Music. He is also an award winning composer.