PRIDE OF BALTIMORE / WINDFLOWER

Label: GMMC 731-2
Date: 1994 / 1990
Tracks: 2
Time = 38:32

Two impressive large-scale concert works for orchestra. "Pride of Baltimore" is 1994 work with 25-minute duration, musically portraying development, voyage, eventually sinking of real-life Baltimore Clipper schooner (1976-1986). Plumeri conceives work as single movement concerto, casts it in roughly three portions. Woodwinds provide melodic interest, massive brass chords bring scale, strings make it soar. Tritone interval is important part of harmonic vocabulary, adds power to major key sonorities in brass. Significant excitement is built up during lengthy voyage. Upon climax, music sinks like vessel into silence. Plumeri also offers 1990 work "Windflower" for orchestra with oboe in spotlight. Initial idea suggests modal harmony of early 20th-Century British music, then mingles American vernacular for unique feel. Full orchestra is heard but woodwind writing highlights. Especially haunting use of piccolo, flute, clarinet with oboe towards finish. Rich, masterful showpieces for orchestra! Terry Plumeri conducts Moscow Philharmonic.