Corigliano: Symphony No. 3 'circus Maximus'

The University of Texas Wind Ensemble, Jerry Junkin

Corigliano: Symphony No. 3 ‘Circus Maximus’ / Gazebo Dances

Blu-ray Audio 24-bit 88.2 kHz Stereo and Surround Recordings
“The Circus Maximus of ancient Rome was a real place. The largest arena in the world, it entertained over 300,000 spectators daily for nearly a thousand years. Chariot races, hunts and battles satisfied the Roman public’s need for grander and wilder amusement as the Empire declined. The parallels between the high decadence of Rome and our present time are obvious. Entertainment dominates our culture, and ever-more-extreme ‘reality’ shows dominate our entertainment. Many of us have become as bemused by the violence and humiliation that flood the 500-plus channels of our television screens as those mobs of imperial Rome who considered the devouring of human beings by starving lions just another Sunday show. The shape of Circus Maximus was built both to embody and comment on this massive and glamorous barbarity” John Corigliano “The CD is nicely rounded out by Corigliano’s transcription of his own Gazebo Dances—originally written for four-hand piano, but reminiscent of American outdoor band concerts and thereby ideally suited for the medium. It’s a delightful work, anchored by a long, gorgeous slow movement. There are several other recordings of this work, and this is the best I’ve heard.” MusicWeb International

Price: $28.98