Second delivery, by Sony Classical, of orchestral works by the newyorker Richard Danielpour, a very interesting composer that, as we commented on his
Concerto for Orchestra, shows a assimilative style between the North American musical classicism (for example, Aaron Copland) and the music of the moment. The three works included, centered in the city of New York as inspiration and motor base, corroborate previous impressions and his impressive handling of the orchestral and rhythmic resources is specially prominent.Celestial Night shows in an unmistakable way the contrasts among the bustle and rhythm of the city, and the relaxation and placidness of the country, two of the basic places in the composer's life; its structure in two interrelated movements becomes most appropriate and exciting. Similar in tone is Toward the Splendid City, that although it shows an idyllic and nostalgic vision of New York, uses the orchestra to depict, in his author's words, "my memory of the city"; written with the New York Philharmonic in mind, it is also an evident homage to The Beatles and, especially, John Lennon's figure. Lastly, Urban Dances (nothing to do with the same author pieces for brass group) returns to use the City as excuse for a danced representation of the daily cycle of life on it, employing classic ballet structures in an more chamber-like musical environment, and with Igor Stravinsky as reference and model.
