Wind-Band Americana

Why is wind ensemble music such a far throw for Classical Music listeners?

It seems to me, the two should run hand-in-hand; after all composers such as Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughan Williams have standard repertoire for brass and military bands.

I suppose this query enters the broader question of why Light Music is often degraded as a lesser art form. I have no answers currently, only thoughts, but quality music will always ring out true.

Bennett represents the best of Americana in music. He loves to quote folk songs and sea shanties, but in a more subtle way than the old Looney Tunes composers.

On this program, only the Symphonic Songs attempt to dig beneath the surface of its music, yet Bennett can't help bringing the music back to the World's Fair.

A review from 2024

Robert Russell Bennett is primarily known for his musical theatre orchestrations. Coming to his music for the concert hall, you certainly get a sense of the theatre, works with high spirits and pizzazz.

Moreso, there is a strong pull of Americana in Bennett’s music for wind band. He definitely quotes from folk songs and sea shanties, yet his original music has plenty of jazzy, persnickety rhythms and lyrical musical ideas that could place him with the lighthearted, populous music of Gershwin, Copland, and Bernstein.

Upon listening however, I am reminded more of Don Gillis, an American light music composer who is also quite fun to listen to. None of the music is particularly deep, but neither do all worthwhile musical experiences need to plumb the raw edges of man’s soul. Bennett has a solid grip on America’s past, and he is ripe to explore it through and through.

You can definitely hear why Old American Dances is Bennett’s most popular, but each work here is spirited and a whole lot of fun. Only in the three Symphonic Songs did I feel a more serious introspection, but even it ends up at the carnival by its conclusion.

The RNCM Wind Orchestra sounds lovely in Chandos’ sonics. The bass is a bit mushy however, and one reviewer’s mention of the impactful bass drum is not incorrect, it just didn’t bother me all that much.

 

 Listen on YouTube

Works
Suite of Old American Dances (16.12)
Down to the Sea in Ships (14.02)
Four Preludes (11.17)
Symphonic Songs (14.09)
Autobiography (13.41)

Ensemble
Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra
Clark Rundell & Mark Heron, conductors

Label: Chandos
Year: 2016
Total Timing: 70.28

 

Bennett's music is of a bygone era, rife with Americana.

These are all excellently performed, yet the familiar works can be heard from the likes of Frederick Fennell.

A wonderful all-in-one-place tribute to Bennett's band music.

 

 

 

Find more Bennett recordings HERE!