Search - David [Cello/Trombone] Baker, Czech National Symphony Orchestra, William Brown :: Paul Freeman Introduces... David N. Baker

A rich tonal palette

AfroAmericanHeritage | Wisconsin | 03/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In his introduction, Paul Freeman writes "I have always been impressed by the breadth and scope of his [Baker's] talent and the extraordinary range of his tonal palette." I agree wholeheartedly, and nowhere is this tonal palette more evident than with the second movement of "Concerto for Tuba and Orchestra" which the composer describes as " a contemporary cradle song or lullaby." Tuba - lullaby? Trust me...it works beautifully!Baker is sometimes romantic, sometimes jazzy, always inventive. "Alabama Landscape" is a haunting, single-movement setting of the poem by African-American poet Mari Evans. "Refractions: A Suite for String Orchestra" is romantic, yet jazz influenced. "Life Cycles" is a suite for tenor, French horn and strings. "Concerto for Tuba and Orchestra" pays homage to Baker's personal "three B's" Brahms, Bartok and Berg. You can hear more of David Baker on Albany's 2003 release PAUL FREEMAN INTRODUCES...STRING CONERTOS."