Following her terrific first volume of Moross' orchestral works, conductor JoAnn Falletta goes again in the ballet world as a center excuse for the record, recovering the stupendous Frankie and Johnny from 1938, a fruit of his labour as Aaron Copland's pupil. The influence of Copland in the modern american musical panorama is out of any question, and Moross was recognized by him as the more talented composer of his generation. Using the famous song of same title, probably composed around the turn of the century, Moross created his ballet in seven dance sequences which followed an introduction, and his highly creative score get him his first great popular success. From the same time is A Tall Story, the first work of his author which clearly references the American Western, and on which the influence of Copland's orchestral and harmonic style if much more clear. The record is closed with his last written work, the Concerto for Flute and String Orchestra from 1978, an extraordinary score of maturity which, curiously, is much more supported on certain music from the past. Originally conceived for clarinet and string quartet, this delicious, joyful and absolutely tune-catchy music was received, on its time, as the work of an "american Poulenc", in reference of the great french composer; the connections are not only in spirit (sophistication, lyriscism and simpleness), and it must be recalled that the mentioned Copland was, also, a disciple of Nadia Boulanger, whom was Poulenc's more recognized student. A funny way to close the circle. Not to be missed.

Frankie and Johnny (1938) - 18:46
Biguine (1934) - 4:49
A Tall Story for Orchestra (1938) - 9:04
Concerto for Flute and String Orchestra (1978) - 23:54
Alexa Still (Flute) - New Zealand Chamber Orchestra - Conductor: JoAnn Falletta
KOCH INTERNATIONAL CLASSICS - 3-7367-2H1 / 57'

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