Overview

PHCD162

The Music of ROBERT BEASER

 Chorale Variations

The Seven Deadly Sins

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra

American Composers Orchestra

Dennis Russell Davies, conductor    Chorale Variations

Jan Opalach, Bass-baritone                The Seven Deadly Sins

Pamela Mia Paul, piano                       Concerto for Piano and Orchestra

The Baltimore Sun writes: “Beaser is one of this country’s huge composing talents, with a gift for vocal writing that is perhaps unequaled.” His recent Opera “The Food of Love,” with a libretto by Terrence McNally, is part of the Central Park Trilogy, which opened to worldwide critical accolades at Glimmerglass and New York City Opera. The San Francisco Chronicle called his opera “gripping” and “arresting” & a masterful score with beautiful rhapsodic turns, canny pacing, pungent orchestral writing and magnificently shapely arias.” The Arizona Republic called it “a masterpiece” and USA-Today wrote: “Beaser’s glistening, percussion-tinged orchestral textures and utterly singable melodies are a joy to hear at every turn.” Televised nationally on PBS Great Performances, it received an Emmy nomination in 2000.

Robert Beaser’s orchestral writing reflects a clear, expressive American voice shaped by lyricism, rhythmic vitality, and a strong sense of narrative. PHCD 162 offers a focused selection of his works for orchestra, revealing both the emotional breadth and structural clarity that define his style. These performances bring color, precision, and immediacy to Beaser’s music, offering an engaging introduction to his orchestral output.

This release is essential for listeners exploring contemporary American orchestral repertoire.