Search - Daniel Asia, James Sedares, Phoenix Symphony :: Asia: Symphony No. 2; Symphony No. 3

Daniel Asia's music is very user-friendly, a mix of occasional jazz rhythms, echoes of Broadway jubilance, and a great deal of American mid-century romanticism-- without sounding at all derivative of any one trend or composer. If he does take his cues from anyone, it's probably Leonard Bernstein whose own music draws from eclectic sources. Symphony no. 2, Celebration Symphony, is dedicated to Bernstein and celebrates the trials and triumphs of the Jewish people, the music being dignified and penitential. Symphony no. 3 is the real scene-stealer with brash brasses and soaring, triumphant strings. A major symphony and worthy addition to any library. -- Paul Cook