This is undoubtedly the first commercial recording of the Virgil Thomson Cello Concerto since the classic old Columbia recording with Luigi Silva from the early 1950s and it's in SACD sound!

This delightful work, wearing its Americana on its sleeve but couched in the framework of a classic work such as the Haydn, is full of the kind of joyful, melancholy and eccentric moods and hymn-tunes one hears in the classic Thomson film scores and orchestral works.

The Four Portraits, adapted from the more than 140 piano pieces he wrote of friends, artists and acquaintances, were adapted by Silva; the Frederic James Portrait is an original by Thomson in this form.

Charles Fussell has a link to the great American past as he studied with Bernard Rogers at the Eastman School, and his music maintains a traditional sound with somewhat more advanced touches.

Hailed by John Williams and other as "an outstanding cellist and truly dedicated artist," Emmanuel Feldman has emerged as one of the most innovative cellists of his generation. Known for his intense, soulful playing and a broad range of repertoire, he enjoys an active career as a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist and champion of new music.

Musicians:
Emmanuel Feldman, cello
Nashville Chamber Orchestra (1)
Paul Gambill, conductor (1)
New England String Ensemble (4)
Susan Davenny Wyner, conductor (4)
Joy Cline Phinney, piano

Selections:
Virgil Thomson (1896-1989)
Concerto for Cello & Orchestra
1. Rider on the Plains
2. Variations on a Southern Hymn
3. Children's Games
Charles Fussell (b.1938)
4. Right River (Variations for Cello & String Orchestra)
Virgil Thomson
Four Portraits for Cello and Piano
5. Bugles and Birds
6. Tango Lullaby
7. In a Bird Cage
8. Fanfare for France

9. A Portrait of Frederic James
Charles Fussell
Two Ballades for Cello & Piano
10. Movement I
11. Movement II

Total Time: 55:22