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American Ballads

by Lara Downes

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  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Lara Downes: American Ballads CD in a jewel case.

    “What a wonderful recording I received, a really good choice of program.” – Leslie Kandell, The New York Times

    Classical pianist Lara Downes takes us on a journey through the heart and soul of the USA with her second Postcards Records album, “Lara Downes: American Ballads”. On the acclaimed recording, Downes takes a look at some 20th Century American composers that have been influenced by the aural landscape that surrounded them, namely popular song, Jazz, and Folk music. American Ballads features compositions by Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, Charles Ives and others, but one of the highlights of the CD is the world premiere recording of legendary Jazz composer/saxophonist Benny Golson’s Classical composition “On Gossamer Wings”, which Lara debuted at Lincoln Center

    “A most delightful artist, with a unique blend of musicianship and showmanship.” – National Public Radio

    “Here is technique so good you’re not even aware of it… and yet she never flaunts it, never gets in the way of the music.” – Lynnda Greene, Fanfare Magazine

    As a Classical music concept album, “American Ballads” revisits a vanished but not-so-distant era in the United States. American music is as diverse and as varied in its origin as the people who live here and the landscapes we inhabit. Its distinct and beautiful flavor comes from the confluence of these many musical references, and from its very American spirit of independence and adventure. On this recording we find music of many forms and inspirations: an Appalachian Folk melody, a languid Blues, a lounge singer’s romance, the big-city sounds of the Jazz age, a tranquil hymn, a tender lullaby – all are beautiful and unique American Ballads.

    “…an imaginative mix…rhythmical and colorful… Very, very pleasing.” – Michael Barone, Public Radio Music Source

    “A stylish force at the keyboard.” – Miami Sun Sentinel

    This impressive Postcards CD, entitled “Lara Downes: American Ballads”, is not only a collection of music inspired by many distinct American voices, but serves as proof of Lara Downes’ imaginative musical vision, and is a testimony to the talent of one of the world’s great young Classical pianists.

    Includes unlimited streaming of American Ballads via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.     ... more
    ships out within 3 days
    Purchasable with gift card

      $9.98 USD or more 

     

1.
Excursions, Opus 20: I Un Poco allegro 02:55
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2.
Excursions, Opus 20: II In slow blues tempo 03:38
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3.
Excursions, Opus 20: III Allegretto 02:58
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4.
Excursions, Opus 20: IV Allegro molto 02:16
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5.
Four Piano Blue: I Freely Poetic 02:31
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6.
Four Piano Blue: II Soft and Languid 02:29
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7.
Four Piano Blue: III Muted and Sensuous 02:17
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8.
Four Piano Blue: IV With Bounce 01:05
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9.
On Gossamer Wings (World Premiere) 10:24
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10.
American Ballads: I Streets of Laredo 01:43
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11.
American Ballads: II Wayfaring Stranger 01:35
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12.
American Ballads: III The Bird 01:33
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13.
American Ballads: IV Black Is the Color of My True Love’s Hair 01:08
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14.
American Ballads: V Cod Liver Ile 02:18
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15.
North American Ballads: III Down by the Riverside 05:57
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16.
2nd Piano Sonata: “Concord, Mass. 1840-1860”: III The Alcotts 05:35
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17.
Suite from The Plow That Broke the Plains: I Prelude 00:53
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18.
Suite from The Plow That Broke the Plains: II Cowboy Songs 01:44
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19.
Suite from The Plow That Broke the Plains: III Blues 03:25
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20.
Suite from The Plow That Broke the Plains: Finale 02:41
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21.
American Nocturne 03:47
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about

“What a wonderful recording I received, a really good choice of program.” – Leslie Kandell, The New York Times

Classical pianist Lara Downes takes us on a journey through the heart and soul of the USA with her second Postcards Records album, “Lara Downes: American Ballads”. On the acclaimed recording, Downes takes a look at some 20th Century American composers that have been influenced by the aural landscape that surrounded them, namely popular song, Jazz, and Folk music. American Ballads features compositions by Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, Charles Ives and others, but one of the highlights of the CD is the world premiere recording of legendary Jazz composer/saxophonist Benny Golson’s Classical composition “On Gossamer Wings”, which Lara debuted at Lincoln Center

“A most delightful artist, with a unique blend of musicianship and showmanship.” – National Public Radio

“Here is technique so good you’re not even aware of it… and yet she never flaunts it, never gets in the way of the music.” – Lynnda Greene, Fanfare Magazine

As a Classical music concept album, “American Ballads” revisits a vanished but not-so-distant era in the United States. American music is as diverse and as varied in its origin as the people who live here and the landscapes we inhabit. Its distinct and beautiful flavor comes from the confluence of these many musical references, and from its very American spirit of independence and adventure. On this recording we find music of many forms and inspirations: an Appalachian Folk melody, a languid Blues, a lounge singer’s romance, the big-city sounds of the Jazz age, a tranquil hymn, a tender lullaby – all are beautiful and unique American Ballads.

“…an imaginative mix…rhythmical and colorful… Very, very pleasing.” – Michael Barone, Public Radio Music Source

“A stylish force at the keyboard.” – Miami Sun Sentinel

This impressive Postcards CD, entitled “Lara Downes: American Ballads”, is not only a collection of music inspired by many distinct American voices, but serves as proof of Lara Downes’ imaginative musical vision, and is a testimony to the talent of one of the world’s great young Classical pianists.

credits

released August 12, 2022

Lara Downes: Solo piano

Produced by: Bob Karcy
Total Time: Approx 64 minutes

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Lara Downes Sacramento, California

Lara Downes is among the foremost American pianists of her generation, a trailblazer both on and off the stage, whose musical roadmap seeks inspiration from the legacies of history, family and collective memory. As a chart-topping recording artist, a powerfully charismatic performer, a curator and tastemaker, Downes is recognized as a cultural visionary on the national arts scene. ... more

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