Morton Gould and His Orchestra, Aaron Copland - Billy The Kid, Rodeo; Ferde Goufre: Grand Canyon Suite (2005) [SACD]

It may surprise some to discover that American composer/conductor Morton Gould conducted such fine performances of other American composers’ music. These RCA Victor “Living Stereo” recordings are vivid, excellent proof that Gould was a really fine conductor & not just of his own music. The performances of the suites from Copland’s ballets “Billy the Kid” & “Rodeo” are among the best ever recorded. They benefit not only from Gould’s wonderful sensitivity & appreciation but from excellent playing by the “pickup” orchestra & the still remarkable “Living Stereo” recording process, in which RCA used only 3 microphones & advanced mastering techniques.
Ferde Grofe’s “Grand Canyon Suite” was a “labor of love” as the skilled composer/arranger spent considerable time carefully depicting his impressions of one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Grofe had been a very successful arranger for Paul Whiteman & is still remembered for the very 1st orchestration of George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris,” premiered by Gershwin at the piano with Whiteman conducting in New York’s Aeolian Hall in February 1924.
Grofe composed a number of original orchestral works in later years & the “Grand Canyon Suite” is probably his best. It contains memorable melodies & is skillfully orchestrated throughout. It so impressed Arturo Toscanini that he recorded it in 1945 for RCA Victor, under the supervision of the composer. Grofe himself conducted a recording of the suite for Everest Records in 1960. Gould’s recording is excellent. The final movement, depicting a spectacular thunderstorm, is absolutely awesome. I think this recording may surpass an earlier favorite, also recorded for RCA Victor, by Arthur Fiedler & the Boston “Pops” Orchestra.