Foss, Lukas - Piano Concertos

"Lucas Foss is one of our finest composers, yet precious little of his music is currently available on CD. These two piano concertos come from early in Foss's career...Not surprisingly, given that Foss is an accomplished pianist himself, both concertos feature dazzling virtuoso solo parts. And the pianists here are up to the task: Jon Nakamatsu, who plays the First Concerto, won the gold medal in the 1997 Van Cliburn International Piano competition, and Yakov Kasman was the silver medalist...The Pacific Symphony Orchestra (based in Orange County california) has clearly flourished under its music director Carl St. Clair, for its playing is first-class. Producer Robina Young and her engineering team work their usual magic, offering sound quality of exceptional clarity and presence. A splended disc." (BarnesandNoble.com)

"The Piano Concerto No.1 is offered here in its recoded premiere. The Allegro Finale is a joyous romp, here and elsewhere played by Nakamatsu and the orchestra with a sure grasp of its style and winning development o f the music's clear sense of destination. The Piano Concert Nos. 2 is also in a very accessible style, full of energy, with considerable demands made of the pianist. Its infectious energy, diabolic cadenza and quick, sonorous coda leave an upbeat memory in their wake."

'Elegy for Anne Frank': "Here is Foss in on of his most profound musical expressions from his mature years of "synthesis." The music is scored for piano and orchestra, and is larded with references to Anne's playful, unworried childhood and to ominous military motifs. But is core is a mournful but not morbid undulating figure which returns with rondo-like regularity to maintain the music's overarching tone of reverence and sadness. The performance seems to capture the intended spirit superbly."
(Buffalo News)


Two virtuoso piano concertos by an elder statesman of American music, composer Lukas Foss, showcase 1997 Van Cliburn medalists Jon Nakamatsu (gold) and Yakov Kasman (silver). Penned in the early years of his career, these vibrant works were recorded in the presence of Mr. Foss, who is also heard as piano soloist in the world premiere recording of his poignant Elegy For Anne Frank, with narration by his daughter, Eliza Foss.