Four stars: A well-performed collection of fine music
Arthur Fagen and the Vienna Radio Orchestra have the measure of these works; the conductor manages to convey the American and Latin dance idioms to the Austrian musicians, and they sound totally at home in the music. In the slower movements Fagen displays a supple sense of phrase-shaping. Gould asks of the performers a balance of kinetic energy and warm lyricism. Fagen and the Vienna RSO provide both.
This is a lovely collection of fine music that is under-represented in the catalogue, and Naxos’s well-balanced and rich sound, along with excellent notes by Frank K. DeWald, complete the picture. My recommendation is enthusiastic.
Henry Fogel, Fanfare, June 2020
Fantastic Gould Symphonettes on Naxos
American conductor, Arthur Fagen, has this music securely in his DNA. He draws such idiomatic and authentically “American” playing from this great orchestra, I can’t imagine these readings being bettered.
Playing and conducting are absolutely first rate. And so is the sound. Naxos has really mastered the art of recording the symphony orchestra in the past decade or so, and this one is simply outstanding. The orchestra is natural in perspective, clean and clear in a warm acoustic, with a brilliant “presence” and effortless dynamic range. It helps bring these performances thrillingly to life. This is one of my favorite discs of the year so far. I enjoyed it enormously.
David Rowe, Davidclassicalscds, June 17, 2020
Performances are excellent with the Viennese orchestra under Arthur Fagen’s direction in top form […] This is a welcome addition to the Naxos American Composers series.
Classicalcdreview.com, April 2020
Successful in many genres and far from modern developments, the American composer Morton Gould (1913-1996) composed attractive […] music […] His technical talent for orchestration and orchestral colours cannot be denied. Add to this a flourishing power of imagination and a sure sense of musical eloquence that everyone can easily understand.
Arthur Fagen and the musicians of the Vienna Radio Orchestra do an excellent job, and since the sound recording is also of the best quality, this CD can be recommended to anyone who has a penchant for lighter symphonic music.
Remy Frank, Pizzicato, Journal about Classical Music, 16/04/2020
Stir in equal parts of Bernstein and Copland, a teaspoon of Gershwin, a pinch of Grofé and a cup of Leroy Anderson, and you get a taste of what the style and sound of American composer Morton Gould (1913-1996) is like. […] Conductor Arthur Fagen was a friend of Morton Gould which explains why he can so easily coax an Austrian ensemble, the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, to slide into American garb with such conviction. It’s nice to see the Naxos label still adding titles to their American Classics series which has played a great role in the renewed interest into well known works as well as neglected gems.
Jean-Yves Duperron, Classical Music Sentinel, March 2020
Fagen conducts in a light, airy style…it is crisp, clean and professional
ArtMusic Lounge – March 2020
The multi-functional ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, with conductor Arthur Fagen, play in an American style “to the manner born” … Most strongly recommended”
David’s Review Corner March 2020
The attractive and inventive light orchestral music of Morton Gould is still delightful when listened to in the right mood – and particularly when delivered with the panache to be found on this disc.
Classical CD Choice, Barry Forshaw, March 2020
The Latin American Symphonette offers a sultry, well-shaped account of the Tango and some good, clear percussion in the concluding Conga…. Fagen and his orchestra are compelling advocates for this sadly neglected fare.
Jonathan Blumhofer, ArtsFuse