Schuman, W.: Symphony No. 8 / Night Journey / Ives, C.: Variations on America (orch. W. Schuman)

Featuring

Gerard Schwarz
Seattle Symphony
William Schuman
Charles Ives

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Performer Biography

Gerard Schwarz, the conductor, has a vast discography of some 260 releases and has received numerous awards, including two Emmy Awards and 13 Grammy nominations.

Composer's Artistic Vision

William Schuman viewed his music as an integral part of his identity, stating, 'Whatever meaning my life has is to be found in the music itself.'

Recording & Production

This album is the fifth and final release in a series dedicated to William Schuman's complete published symphonies.

Composition History

Schuman's Eighth Symphony premiered on October 4, 1962, as part of the inaugural concerts of Philharmonic Hall at Lincoln Center, with Leonard Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic.

Composer Biography

William Schuman's compositional career was profoundly influenced by his collaborations with prominent choreographers Antony Tudor and Martha Graham, leading to more complex and emotionally charged music.

Composer Biography

William Schuman, a distinguished 20th-century composer, also served as president of The Juilliard School and Lincoln Center, significantly impacting American performing arts.

Compositional Technique

William Schuman's Eighth Symphony uses a very large orchestra, including woodwinds in threes, six horns, four trumpets and trombones each, two harps, piano, and a large percussion section, for a diverse palette of instrumental colors.