MICHAEL DAUGHERTY (b.1954): Brooklyn Bridge for Clarinet and Symphonic Band, Raise the Roof for Timpani and Symphonic Band, Bells for Stokowski, Niagara Falls, Asclepius for Brass and Percussion.

Catalogue Number: 03J086
Label: Equilibrium
Reference: EQ 86
Format: CD
Price: $16.98
Description: By now, all collectors must be familiar with Daugherty's vividly colored, larger-than-life compositional style, his ode to Superman Metropolis Symphony being his most famous orchestral work. These works for band (and plenty of bright, glittering and sharp percussion) will not disappoint. Niagara Falls (1997) is a kinetic thrill-ride of ten minutes and Asclepius Daugherty's 2007 take on a celebratory five-minute fanfare. Bells for Stokowski has appeared in these pages on Naxos; Raise the Roof (also 2007) is a kind of concerto for timpani and band where the timpanist gets to play melodies in addition to much else while Brooklyn Bridge (2005) is the biggest work here at 26 minutes. Its four movements represent views toward the cardinal points of the compass from the bridge's span, suggesting all the muscle and bustle of New York City with the finale a tribute to Artie Shaw and the Rainbow Room of Rockefeller Center. Michael Wayne (clarinet), Andre Dowell (timpani), University of Michigan Symphony Band; Michael Haithcock.