by David Maslanka
Album Title: HYMN FOR WORLD PEACE: THE MUSIC OF DAVID MASLANKA VOLUME 3
Recording: Utah Wind Symphony
Conductor: Scott Hagen
Soloist: Adam Frey-euphonium
Publisher: MARK Masters 52293-MCD Purchase CD
Note: This recording was dedicated to the composer’s wife who passed away last July. David Maslanka succumbed to colon cancer a month later
The five compositions recorded on this excellent CD are rather unique examples of Maslanka’s insightful mastery of scoring for wind ensemble. Illumination (Overture for Band) is a joyful, energetic statement that can be played by 3+ grade level bands as well as upper-level ensembles. Hymn for World Peace is a philosophical essay for winds conveying the simple unifying thought of music bringing about world peace. UFO Dreams Concerto for Euphonium and Wind Ensemble is a fascinating three-movement work exploring various styles and challenges for the soloist. Adam Frey gives a euphonium performance that is truly “out of this world”. Requiem is Maslanka’s musical commentary of laying to rest the old in order to prepare for the new. The final work is Golden Light (A Celebration Piece) which is resplendent in short repetitive melodic fragments of constant motion. The Utah Wind Symphony gives a first-rate performance throughout.
