by Julie Giroux
Album Title: SHINE: Music of Julie Giroux
Recording: University of North Texas Symphonic Band
Conductor: Dennis Fisher
Publisher: MARK RECORDS 53081-MCD
Julie Giroux is undoubtedly the most prolific woman composer of band music. This Emmy winning composer is also well known for her film, television and video game scores. Shine is a collection of a dozen well-written works for band; the title work is a very descriptive essay on prohibition and good old Southern Hillbilly moonshine. The other compositions include the dynamic Medalist Fanfare, a Grecian prayer and lively celebration appropriately entitled OPA! and the post-nuclear apocalypse No Man’s Land. Throughout the recording Giroux’s music speaks with reverence, emotion, lyricism, and highly evocative imagery. The University of North Texas Symphonic Band treats Giroux’s compositions with the utmost professionalism.
