WILLIAM SCHUMAN (1910-1992): Symphony No. 3, Symphony No. 5 for Strings, Judith: Choreographic Poem.

Description: A brand-new recording from last September, this is the only alternative to the much-reissued 1960s Bernstein recording of the composer's two-movement work from 1941. Its imposing and weighty form owe nothing to that of a "war symphony" since this was completed at the very beginning of that year, rather containing those qualities from its neo-baroque structure - two movements, "Passacaglia and Fugue" and "Chorale and Toccata". All manner of canonic and other imitation devices are pushed relentlessly on by a compelling rhythmic intensity which makes what looks academic on paper a visceral listening experience. The other works were originally released on Delos in 1991/2. Seattle Symphony; Gerard Schwarz.