Eddie Janusz:

>I recently attended a Hartford Symphony concert and, for the first time,
>heard New England Triptych by William Schuman.
>
>...  Would anybody on this list like to recommend a recording or two?

You know it's based on hymns and fuguing tunes by Williams Billings,
right?  To me, the tympani are exactly right, conveying the rhythmic
vigor of the originals.

The three I own are, in order of preference, Kostelanetz on Sony 63034,
Hanson on Mercury 432755, and Sedares on Koch 7135.

The Serebrier on Naxos intrigues me, but I haven't heard it.  I
disliked Litton on Dorian.  Kostelanetz sound leaves something to be
desired -- boxy and cramped -- but the performance sizzles.  Hanson's
Eastman-Rochester orchestra sounds its own distinctive self -- and that's
something you either love or hate.  I like it.  Hanson does well, but I
don't get the impression that he really likes the piece.  However, it's
coupled with a wonderful performance of the Mennin Fifth, and ok
performances of the Ives Three Places in New England and the Third
Symphony.  Sedares is okay in the Schuman, better in the Herrmann
Symphony which leads into it.

Steve Schwartz