Once again I'm impressed with the serious intent, clarity of language and
perspicacious opinions in Steve Schwartz's reviews, this time the review
of the Lees symphony, and I was particularly pleased that he responded to
the two reviews cited (in Fanfare and American Record Guide), both of which
I'd read and, in the main, disagreed with.

I don't have Steve's ability with language nor his ability to tease out
the fine points of a composition's structure.  But I know that I responded
strongly, and positively, to the Lees symphony.  My only quibble with the
performance is with the singing of the mezzo, Kimball Wheeler.  And I think
Steve has put his finger on it - the voice is too small, and a bit smudgy.
What Jennie Tourel, say, could have done with this music!

I praise Naxos for putting out this recording, and am hopeful that we'll
be hearing more from Benjamin Lees, whose Fourth Symphony surprised and
pleased me a great deal.

Scott Morrison