This collection gathers Neeme Järvi’s previously released George Chadwick recordings on one disc. Though Chadwick aimed to distinguish himself as a uniquely American composer, his symphonic poems nonetheless reflect the influence of similar works by then-prominent Europeans. Melpomene, for instance, owes much to Tchaikovsky in its dramatic sweep and emotionally intense melodies, while Dvorák’s nature-painting style can be discerned in Rip Van Winkle, and even more so in the joyously frenzied Jubilee from the Symphonic Sketches, which replicates the Czech composer’s Carnival overture. However, Chadwick moves away from continental influences in Tam O’Shanter, which is steeped in the folk coloring of its Scottish subject.
Nevertheless, Chadwick’s skillfully constructed and handsomely orchestrated music is all his own, and it exudes a vitality that’s quite affecting. Järvi offers compelling interpretations and gets the Detroit Symphony players to muster more enthusiasm and panache than they display on some of their standard-repertoire recordings. Chandos presents it all in spacious, clear, and nicely reverberant sound. If you’re new to Chadwick’s music, be prepared for a treat.
