CINDY McTEE (b.1953): Symphony No. 1: Ballet for Orchestra, Circuits, Einstein's Dream, Double Play.

Description: Attractive works in a basically tonal vocabulary, occasionally spiced up with overlaid atonal harmonies and unusual (in the case of Einstein's Dream, electronic) sounds. The symphony is a substantial four-movement work, the fast movements featuring the kinetic energy and propulsive repeating motifs (also the primary characteristic of Circuits) that the composer favors for rhythmic drive. Occasional big-band jazz gestures fleetingly appear; the work as a whole takes its cues and quotations from dancelike music of the classical and romantic repertoire. The heartfelt slow movement quotes a melody from her teacher, Penderecki's neo-romantic period. Double Play achieves a satisfying synthesis and layering of McTee's trademark styles in a lively summing-up of her appealing personal idiom. Detroit Symphony Orchestra; Leonard Slatkin.