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Video Reviews, March 1, 2012

24.05.12

These 12 half-hour TV programs produced in Boston in the mid-1960s proposal conversational talks on music by the best-known American composer of his day, coupled with performances by greatest musicians in their prime (the Juilliard String Quartet, Paul Jacobs, Donald Gramm, members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, often conducted by Copland himself). Copland’s own 20s were in the 1920s, thus, his commentary illuminates the music he heard (many unbelievable premieres) and the people he knew. Copland (1900–90) and classic producer-director Davis (who played trumpet and held a exceedingly in music education) valued musical entirety enough to showcase 14 full-length works (from 11 composers), including Paul Hindemith’s hilariously peculiar 12-minute chamber opera Hin und zurück, starring Beverly Sills, a acting never before released on video. Additionally, there are 28 round off excerpts (from a dozen more composers), entire movements of contributory works or selected arias and songs from operas or collections. A don could structure a complete course around Copland’s lectures, tantalizing students to challenge his assumptions (Copland says much of the music of the 20s still sounds “modern” 40 years later—what about 90 years later?), dig further into his presentations (Why does that harpsichord be activated so different from the ones we hear at original-contraption baroque concerts?), argue for and against his interpretations and emphases, or find music by composers he mentions in parenthetically. ­VERDICT The Aaron Copland Ready for Music can be proud of sponsoring the release of this riotous series in technically restored digital constitution. Anyone with an interest in “classical” music of the 20th century and after will prize this fully packed production.—Bonnie Jo Dopp, Libn. Emerita, Univ. of Maryland, College Estate

Source: Library Journal