RON NELSON (b.1929): Danza Capriccio, Pastorale: Autumn Rune, Mayflower Overture, To the Airborne, Savannah River Holiday, Fanfares: for the Kennedy Center, for a Celebration, for the New Millennium.

Catalogue Number: 07K089
Label: Klavier
Reference: K 11168
Format: CD
Price: $16.98
Description: An original and colorful composer for wind ensemble, Nelson has a personal style that is bold and demonstrative, making ample use of the resources of the medium with exemplary clarity. The predominant mood of these pieces is a lively, extrovert, breezy joviality, a befits the kind of occasional origins of many of them. The Danza is a quarter-hour virtuosic alto saxophone concerto, energetic and full of good humor. Dissonance provides drama here and there in pieces of heroic quality, and there are also moments of quieter reflection; the Pastorale is unusual here in remaining in evocative, somewhat somber mood throughout. One is frequently aware of the legacy of Howard Hanson and Vaughan Williams, two of Nelson's idols, in the lush, romantic harmony. A 20-minute interview in which the composer speaks about his life and influences rounds out the disc. Keystone Wind Ensemble; Jack Stamp.