Search - Anthony Louis Scarmolin, Joel Eric Suben, Janácek Philharmonic Orchestra :: Anthony Lous Scarmolin: Orchestral Works

Anthony Louis Scarmolin (1890-1969) was a well-educated musician who served as a high-school bandmaster in New Jersey for 30 years. His compositions show a thorough grasp of developments in music up to the turn of the century (and occasionally a bit beyond), and an excellent command of orchestration. He also apparently had no gift for memorable melody, a distinct liability in his chosen style. A few of these pieces stand out for their interesting touches, like the exotic opening dance from the opera The Caliph. And in brief works, Scarmolin is less tedious than in his previously recorded symphonies. But generally even these fine performances don't persuade the listener that Scarmolin's neglect in music circles is unjust. --Leslie Gerber