Orchestra, "Arevahal ". RIEGGER. New Dance. Eastman- Rochester Symphony Orchestra conducted by Howard Hanson.

Mercury MRL2556 (12 in., 39s. lld.).

Mercury again introduce us to some contemporary American music (and both the main works on this disc were composed since the war). Once again one hopes to find something that makes a real impression, but once again I, at any rate, felt disappointed. I can claim no wide knowledge of the American musical scene, but I do know of at least one impressive symphony that has not yet found its way into our catalogues (by Elliott Carter) and I cannot help feeling that there is more notable music than has lately appeared on these records conducted by Howard Hanson. Still, these are presumably produced primarily for home consumption and, as far as we are concerned, everything is a contribution to our picture of what American composers are writing.

The least interesting of the pieces here recorded is also the shortest, Wallingford Riegger's New Dance, but it serves well enough as an overture to the concert that follows. This was originally written for a dance group and subsequently orchestrated for full band. It is nervous rhythm from start to finish and I found it empty and a plain bore. But I have read a number of Riegger's scores and found them of little interest.

The Concerto for Orchestra, by the far more interesting Hovaness, is no orchestral showpiece—better not be misled about that: on the contrary it makes not the slightest effort to be a successful concert item. It might better be called a Suite of six short movements, four of which are slow and very bare, while the two lively ones are put together in the middle, instead of spreading their relief. Hovaness is half Armenian and is strongly influenced by Armenian ritual music. I began by being interested and thinking that this might be music by a rare mind, but before long it failed to hold me. What, I began to wonder, would Vaughan Williams' Talus Fantasia be like without its composer's genius? Perhaps this Concerto needs more knowing than a critic has time for: but three playings didn't yield much to this listener.

Henry Cowell's Short Symphony, as he calls it, is far more immediatelyenjoyable, with a scherzo, indeed, that wouldn't be much out of place in Harty's Irish Symphony (the composer has Irish blood). True, the rest of it is more impressive and I am prepared to reserve judgment and see bow it wears after more hearings.

Of course, these are all personal views, and made on a short acquaintance at that. This record should obviously be tried by any who have an enquiring mind and who want to know more about American composers. Goodness knows, our concert halls give us all too little opportunity for that.

Performances seem to be good and so is the recording. Recommended to those with an enquiring musical mind (and enough cash to risk disappointment). T.H.