David Diamond: Symphony No. 6, Rounds & Music for Romeo and Juliet

Featuring

Arthur Fagen
Indiana University Chamber Orchestra
Indiana University Philharmonic Orchestra
David Diamond

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Composer Biography

David Diamond, the composer, won a composition competition at age 19 judged by George Gershwin, who was impressed by his orchestration skills.

Historical Context

The three compositions on this album, Rounds for String Orchestra, Romeo and Juliet, and the Sixth Symphony, were written during and immediately after World War II, a time when populist music was in high demand.

Performer Biography

Arthur Fagen, the conductor on this album, has been a professor of orchestral conducting at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music since 2008 and music director of the Atlanta Opera since 2010.

Composer's Artistic Vision

David Diamond wrote music that was direct in its emotional output and meant to appeal to an untrained musical audience, rejecting avant-garde styles.

Recording & Production

This album features a world premiere recording of one of David Diamond's works.

Critical Reception

While David Diamond's music was embraced by conductors like Leopold Stokowski and Leonard Bernstein, his popularity with the general public never matched the regard of his fellow musicians.