Bemoaning the state of American classical music is a favorite pastime for residents in that country, but few other countries can boast a training orchestra of the caliber of Maryland's
National Orchestral Institute Philharmonic
. This group has been expanding its activities, touring and attracting nationally prominent soloists and, here, a world-class conductor in
JoAnn Falletta
. Demonstrations of the orchestra's prowess are spread throughout the album; one can sample the colorful circus ballet of
Walter Piston
,
The Incredible Flutist Suite
, with the fine brass and wind work in its concluding dances (try the truly exuberant polka at the end). Perhaps even more impressive is the string section; many full-time European orchestras would be happy to achieve the smoothness of the violin work in the last movement of
Copland
's
Tender Land Suite
. Another draw is the program; the
and
Piston
works are played often enough, but there are two world-recorded premieres here, and both are very strong and deserve further hearings. The
Saxophone Concerto
of
Paul Creston
is well worth hearing in its original orchestral version, with the saxophone solos intricately woven into the texture. The orchestral works of
Ulysses Kay
have been somewhat obscured by other African American composers who have come on the scene, but hear the neo-Romantic
Pietà
, composed during
Kay
's tenure as the first African American Prix de Rome winner. This release is part of the
Naxos
label's "American Classics" series, and it has brought international attention to both the repertory and the orchestra. It is a real winner from late 2023. ~ James Manheim