Ives: Symphony No. 2 / Creston: Symphony No. 2

Ives: Symphony No. 2 / Creston: Symphony No. 2

This release is part of Chandos's excellent American Music Series (#8) and it features two fine readings of works by Creston and Ives. Neeme Jarvi seems able to conduct just about any composer with feeling (is there anybody he hasn't put his baton to?), and the Ives here is handled with reverence and skill. But the Creston is the true standout, since he doesn't get the kind of attention these days that he deserves. His Symphony 2 (1945) is confident and stately in its unfolding. His music falls right in there with Roy Harris, Howard Hanson, and Walter Piston. <I>--Paul Cook</I>