Adolphus Hailstork (Symphony No. 2)

Composed in 1995, Adolphus Hailstork's second symphony is partly a reflection of his travel experiences in Ghana (particularly in the second movement). I've noticed, in this work and others by the composer, a skillful incorporation of traditional spirituals. Never overbearing, the tunes ebb and flow smoothly throughout the entire symphony, thus showing a true craftsmanship as he makes effective use of the modern idiom in a listener-friendly masterpiece.
Performed by Grand Rapids Symphony
Conducted by David Lockington
Selected artwork:
Aaron Douglas
John T. Biggers
Kara Walker
Alma Thomas
For more info on this and Hailstork's third symphony, visit the Naxos website: www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.a...

[@thekirkman2]

I love this production with images. They add to the power of this great music. Congratulations to Adolphus on his 80th birthday, April 17th!
Also to the amazing musicians of the Grand Rapids Symphony!

[@steveegallo3384]

Exciting and imaginative....repays rehearing! An echo, sometimes, almost of Villa-Lobos....BRAVO Maestro Hailstork!

[@mahlerseven]

From the program notes: www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.559295
Premièred in 1999, the Symphony No. 2 was inspired by a visit to Africa in the summer of 1996: “There I visited the forts along the coast of Ghana, and saw the dungeons where the slaves were held before being shipped overseas. I put my reaction to that sad scene in movement two of this symphony. In movement four I sought to reflect the determination of a people who had arrived in America as slaves, but struggled, with courage and faith, against numerous odds.”

[@sandraelder1101]

Thank you! This will be very helpful as I share it with my students.

[@giuseppedimarco8358]

Great!

[@andrewpetersen5272]

I like it too.

[@kuang-licheng402]

great

[@ellwoodcushman8255]

I - Allegro
II - Grave (7:53)
III - Allegro con brio (18:50)
IV - Adagio - Allegro (23:35)

[@SelectCircle]

THANK YOU

[@tomfurgas2844]

A very boring pastiche of tonal cliches.

[@SelectCircle]

Maybe a smidge overstated - but I love bravely honest critiques!
I'm curious: Who would you recommend among composers?