There is no shortage of recordings dedicated to Percy Grainger’s music for wind band, and this one stands with the finest of them. It’s also better recorded than most–much better. The sheer sonority of the winds and brass that Reference Recordings has captured is stunning. Trombones and tuba in particular have an unforgettable physical impact, making the big moments in Lincolnshire Posy, The Duke of Marlborough Fanfare, or The Gum-Suckers March all but overwhelming. Under Jerry Junkin’s leadership, the Dallas Wind Symphony plays with its usual ebullience and expertise. I particularly enjoyed Molly on the Shore and Spoon River, while adding the choral parts to Children’s March and After-Word provides a welcome touch of contrast and variety. No doubt about it, this is a terrific disc that Grainger fans and band music collectors should snap up without delay.
